As Halloween and the holiday season approach, many pet owners are preparing to entertain guests and family.  This can mean the introduction of new people, foods, and decorative items into the pet's life.  While everyone wants to have a festive atmosphere during this time of year, it's important to keep your pet's safety in mind too.  This guide will help you have a fun holiday season and keep your pet safe too!

Potential Pet Hazards:

Plastic food wrap and Aluminum Foil - this can include wrappers for Halloween candy or other food items.  If pets ingest these wrappers, they can suffer ill effects in their digestive systems.  Make sure that everyone throws their wrappers in the trash where the animals cannot reach them. 

Electrocution - Many Christmas and Halloween decorations involve small lights or other moving parts that run on electricity.  The lights and cords can be fatal to cats or dogs if they chew through them.  Place cords and lights out of the reach of pets.

Loud Noises - Some decorations also involve loud noises, like wailing ghosts or singing Santas.  Keep in mind that animals can become extremely fearful of these things.  Don't force animals to interact with these items and be understanding if they shun them. 

Hypothermia - Sometimes we put our animals outside and it can be easy to forget about them if we're hosting a party or event.  But animals can quickly suffer from hypothermia if left outside in insuitable conditions.  Small dogs, or dogs with short hair, should be given sweaters to wear when outside and when taken on walks.  If the dog is giving any sign that it is cold, such as shivering, then it should be brought inside immediately.   

Holiday Ornaments - Animals are naturally curious about ornaments but they should be kept away from them.  Tinsel from Christmas trees can cause obstruction or laceration of the intestines.  Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessless and weight loss.  If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.  The animal may require emergency surgery.  If you see string or tinsel hanging out of the animal's anus, DO NOT PULL IT!  Pulling the string can cause even more damage in the intestinal tract.  Instead, contact the vet as soon as possible.

Salt and other Ice-Melting Compounds - As the weather gets colder and icier, many people put down salt on sidewalks and other public areas to melt ice.  This is good because then people don't slip and fall, but the chemicals can be hard on your dog's unprotected pads.  Dogs can get chemical burns from being exposed to these compounds.  If possible, avoid walking the dog through areas that have been salted.  If the dog walks over salt, wash the paws with warm water when you get home. 

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

Thanks for reading my guide - please let me know if it was helpful and vote accordingly!