Keeping Pets Safe During the Holidays

Compiled by the South Pasadena Animal Commission

As we begin the holiday season, here are some quick reminders for keeping your pets healthy and happy during this festive time.

Supervise the Christmas Tree:

Dogs don't differentiate well. So a tree in your living room really isn't any different than that tree in your yard. Don't allow your dog unsupervised access until you are sure he has learned the difference. Don't put gifts of food or treats under the tree until it is time to open presents. Pets can read neither gift tags nor the calendar and may decide to open the boxes with interesting smells at the start of the holiday season.

Your Pet and Your Guests:

When you have guests over for the holidays, try to secure your pet in a safe place. Most guests, when dressed in their holiday finest, do not appreciate animal hair or canine drool. Elderly visitors may lose their balance when jumped upon by even a moderately-sized dog. Young children pose an interesting attraction for dogs because children carry food at muzzle level. Do not leave drink glasses where pets can drink from them, especially if the glasses contain alcoholic beverages.

Finally, remind guests to watch for pets when opening outside doors. Make sure your pets are wearing current identification tags – just in case.

Holiday Goodies:

While it is well known that chocolate can be poisonous to pets, so too are grapes, raisins, raw garlic and onions, and macadamia nuts. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has an Animal Poison Control Center that provides more detailed information about people food that can be toxic to animals (www.aspca.org, or call 1-888-426-4435).

Is it a Good Idea to Bring Home a New Pet During the Holidays?

For most people, holiday time is too hectic to bring a new pet into the home. However, some people have extensive time off during December and January and their holiday celebrations are comparatively quiet. For these people, the extra time at home during the holidays makes it a desirable time to add a pet.

The Holidays, Birds and Wildlife:

Avoid inadvertently attracting birds and wildlife to your home. Holiday wreathes with brightly colored ribbons, nuts and berries (even if artificial) attract curious squirrels and birds. Clean up your patio area at the end of the evening and place food garbage in hard-sided containers. Food scraps will attract skunks, opossums, coyotes, and many kinds of birds. And if these animals find food once, they are likely to return looking for seconds.