HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS
Protecting Your Dog during the Holidays
Reprinted from Pet Tips Series

As the winter months and Christmas approach, you need to take time to ensure that your pets enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.

Housing: It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

Frostbite and snow / salt removal: Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your vet as soon as possible for further care.
Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.

Toxic plants and Christmas Items: Plants and other items associated with the winter and holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please consult your vet and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet!:

• Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

• Moderate toxicity -- Plastic model cement, holly berries and leaves; snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

• Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); epoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel, can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; spray snow can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled .

• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid deserve special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets. Please keep them in a safe place away from your pets.