The holidays present special challenges for people and pets: parties with lots of people, food, decorations and stress impact us all. Here are things you can do to ensure that your DC Ranch pets are safe and healthy during this special season.
Keep your pets safe and healthy during the holiday
Decoration safety
- Whether artificial or real, anchor your Christmas tree securely by attaching it to the wall or ceiling to prevent climbers and tail-waggers from knocking over your tree.
- Clean up needles daily with a broom. Both artificial and real tree needles are not digestible and can be toxic to your pet.
- Put a tree skirt or other barrier around the water in the tree stand to prevent pets from drinking the water that may have fertilizers used in the growing process. Change water frequently to prevent bacteria from growing.
- Ornaments, lights and tinsel should be on higher branches to prevent breakage, electrocution, ingestion or cuts
- Keep holiday plants out of reach of all pets
- Poinsettias, holly, amaryllis and hibiscus can upset your pet’s digestive system
- Mistletoe has toxic berries that may cause stomach upset
- Lilies are toxic for cats
- Keep lights, candles and fragrances out of your pet’s reach to prevent fire, electrocution, spills and potential exposure to chemicals
Keep your pets safe and healthy
Food safety
- Don’t give in to the “starving” eyes of your pet
- To minimize your weak moments, feed your pet before guests arrive and food is served
- Ask your guests not to feed pets table scraps
- Don’t feed pets turkey skins, gravy or other fat laden foods
- Bones of any kind can obstruct your pets’ intestines. Throw bones away in a closed container out of your pets’ reach. Never give pets chicken or fish bones.
- Put used string from your turkey or other food items in a sealable container, close it and dispose in your tightly covered trash
- These foods may be toxic to your pets so keep them away from:
- Onions and onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Chocolate, especially unsweetened baking chocolate
- Coffee – prepared, grounds or whole bean
Costume safety
- If you can’t resist the urge to put your dog or cat in a costume for a holiday party, be sure the costume isn’t dragging on the floor. This will prevent trips and tangles. Do not tie anything around your pet’s neck.
- Make sure your pet is not restricted by the costume.
- If your pet is stressed, remove the costume. Some animals aren’t the “dress up” type.
Minimize pet and people stress
- Guests can be a distraction for animals if they are not accustomed to people coming and going.
- Give pets a quiet and safe place in your home to get away from the excitement. Be sure to put water there.
- Take pets for a long walk before guests arrive to burn off built-up energy.
- Keep a supply of healthy pet snacks handy and give your pet one before you give in to the urge to give them ‘people’ food
- Never feed your pets from the table. Put food in their bowl or bring outside.
- Make the holiday special for your pets with an extra walk, more petting and playing time or with a new bed or scratching post.
- Just in case your pet gets out the door, be sure he or she is wearing their pet-ID tag. If your pet is not already microchipped, it’s an inexpensive way to ensure your pet’s identification is always with him.
- Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy just in case. If your veterinarian is closed for the holiday, you can call the 24-hour animal emergency clinic near DC Ranch.
Scottsdale Emergency Animal Clinic
22595 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite #110 Scottsdale, AZ. 85255
480 359-1801
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Reach out to me by calling 480-360-0281 or use the contact form below if you’re considering buying or selling a home in DC Ranch.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
