Salisbury Fire Department

During Christmas and the Holidays, it's easy to forget to pay close attention to the four-legged members of our family and their well-being.  There are many things we can, and should, do to ensure they enjoy many years of holiday fun and joy.  Please consider the following:

* Many holiday plants are poisonous to our pets.  Keep mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias out of reach.

* Live Christmas trees can pose many problems for our pets.  Dont let them drink water used to keep the tree fresh, especially if you place any type of chemical in it that increases the life of the tree.  Ingested pine needles that have fallen from the tree may puncture an animal's intestines.  

*  Cords and plugs of holiday lights may look like toys to pets.  Dont let pets play with these items.

*  Keep ornaments out of reach of pets.  These, too, may look like toys to pets.  Tinsel, lights, Christmas balls and other items hung from the tree may be enticiing.  However, ingestion of such items may result in blocked intestines, choking hazards, and possible surgery to remove items and glass shards.

*  Christmas globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.

*  Dont let holiday guests feed your pets human food.  Too much of a "good thing" may make pets sick.

*  Keep pets away from wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons.  Pets love to play with such items, however these items may be swallowed and lead to numerous intestinal problems or choking.

*  Ensure pets have plenty of water available.  Pets may be stressed by all the activities and visitors you may have during the holidays.  This may require them to drink more water than normal.

*  Ensure visiting children and your pets will get along.  Younger children especially, may not be aware that some action they may take/make towards a given animal could result in an inadvertent bite.

*  Finally, always make time for you pets.  It is easy to lose track of time with all that is going on during the holidays.  Ensure to keep feedings, walks, exercise, play time, etc...on a regular schedule.  

For many more tips relating to holiday pet safety, visit www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HolidayStress.php