Paws & Effect: Keep pets safe during the holidays

It's the holiday season! Decorations, parties and food are just a few of the things we humans look forward to this time of year. Your pet? Not so much.

Before you decorate the house, host the party or bake the cookies, take into consideration your pet's needs and safety. Your dog and cat thrive on routine, so try to keep your pet's schedule as close to normal as possible.

FOOD

Holiday baking can be a temptation to your dog or cat. Besides chocolate, raisins and grapes, keep your pet away from anything sweetened with xylitol, which is a sugar substitute. It can be found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, breath mints and cough syrup. Keep your pet away from the holiday table and don't let him counter surf for unattended plates of yummy people food. Make sure garbage cans are secure and unable to be tipped over by a nosy pet.

If the family pet is allowed to attend the celebration, just say no to human foods as treats. Don't let guests treat the dog with bones, spicy foods or sweets. Keep cocktail mixers out of reach also. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing and an increase in body temperature, and that's not the worst of it. Dogs' bodies are not designed to drink alcohol and it can ultimately cause lasting kidney damage.

__TIP:__ When hosting a dinner party, give your dog an interactive toy or bone that will keep him occupied while you entertain. Look for a toy that has a place to put peanut butter, coconut oil or treats so dogs have to work to get to the good stuff. Freeze it for an even longer lasting treat. The toy will work his mind and body and keep him out of trouble.

DECORATIONS

A festive house is a happy house, right? To your pet, it's a temptation that might be hard to resist. Dangers lurk at every corner, from the Christmas tree to the lights outside.

Secure your Christmas tree so it won't tip and fall, which might cause injury to your pet. Cats are notorious for climbing up Christmas trees, so if you have a way to fence it off, all the better. There are some cute fencing ideas on Pinterest that look like they are part of the decorations, but they really are working to keep kitty out of the tree. Keep decorations on the safe side by eliminating stringy, shiny tinsel, which, if ingested, can obstruct the digestive tract, cause severe vomiting, dehydration and involve possible surgery. Consider plastic ornaments instead of glass, since those can break and cut pads of feet or, even worse, be swallowed and cause damage to your pet's mouth or digestive tract.

Keep wires, batteries and light strands out of reach of your dog or cat. A wire can cause a shock or worse if chewed, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.

Avoid "live" wreaths and garland that might be made of mistletoe or holly. Holly, if ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. To be safe, stick to artificial plants made of silk or plastic.

__TIP:__ Spend some quality time with your pet each evening during the holiday season. Walk the dog or play with your dog or cat to expend some of their pent-up energy. Pets are less likely to act out if they are worn out.

ENTERTAINING

Some pets are not fans of guests in their home. If your dog or cat is not accustomed to loud noises, give him a quiet space to retreat to, complete with water, a comfy place to sleep and some toys. Many dogs prefer the comfort of their crate, and it can be moved into another room if necessary. Cats might prefer to hide under a bed or in the closet to escape the noise.

New Year's celebrations can be noisy, but also messy. Strings of confetti can get lodged in a cat or dog's intestines and may require surgery. Small pieces from noisemakers are a crunchy treat for some dogs. Poppers can scare pets and cause damage to sensitive ears. If fireworks are part of the New Year's celebration, be sure to keep pets in a safe and secure area as the countdown begins.

__TIP:__ If you have animal-loving guests and your pets are comfortable around new acquaintances, by all means, let them meet! Dogs especially love to be petted and played with, so why not let your guests wear out your precious pup?

The holidays can be a special time if you have a pet in your life, and with a little preparation, it can be a happy and safe time also!

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About Stacy

Stacy Busch-Heisserer is the owner of Busch Pet Products and Deer Creek Doggie Day Camp in Cape Girardeau. She is a lifelong animal lover who has four cats and four dogs.