Paws On The Pulse of Real Estate: Holiday Pet Safety
Holidays can be a particularly joyful and yet very dangerous time for our pets; check out these tips to ensure a healthy & happy season for all!
Happy December! While our own season may not feel the same this year as we embark upon the holidays without Honey Bun, our hearts are nonetheless with all of the beloved pets that make a house a home. This week’s blog is part of our reader favorite ‘Paws On The Pulse of Real Estate’ edition, and is dedicated to pet safety amidst the festivities.
The good news is that countless rescue organizations, animal welfare groups and veterinarian societies publish tips and guidance about the most dangerous holiday hazards for pets. The knowledge is out there – the hard part is making time to read & share it during this chaotic time of year! We have compiled some of the most helpful resources below and hope that it helps keep every member of your family healthy & happy this month and in the new year to come.
MedVet offers a great read on the ’12 Dangerous Holiday Pet Hazards’; we have listed them below but encourage you to read the article in full.
#1: Holiday Guests; #2: Christmas Tree Ornaments; #3: Plants & Flowers; #4: Glittery Tinsel & Ribbon; #5: Anti-Freeze & Ice Melt; #6: Christmas Tree; #7: Lights & Wires; #8: Unbaked Bread Dough; #9: Toys & Batteries; #10: Alcohol; #11: Christmas Sweaters and #12: Purses & Bags
The ASPCA has created a shareable infographic that you can download here; in addition to food and décor, they remind us of the dangers of New Year’s noise such as fireworks and poppers which can spook pets and cause them to flee. The ASPCA also offers a great tip with regards to ensuring your pet has a quiet retreat with food, water and blankets which they can use to comfort themselves amidst the craziness of the festivities.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is another invaluable resource and features a great read on travel including boarding, pets in vehicles and pets on planes as well as what numbers to have handy – including the direct number to your own veterinary clinic and the closest 24-hour emergency vet. Don't forget to save or take a screenshot of the poison control numbers listed at the top of this blog too!
The Humane Society holiday safety read offers not only tips related to décor, escape and travel – but offers a list of (not all!) but the most common toxic foods to pets: bones, candy, chives, citrus & pits, coffee, raw eggs, raw fish, garlic, onions, grapes & raisins, leaves & stems, raw meat, salt and trash which may include one or more of these hazards.
Last but not least, the Animal League adds in the dangers of snow globes and open flames. Did you know that many snow globes contain ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance to all pets?! Its sweet smell can attract a pet to lick it up and this can lead to a potentially fatal intoxication! With regards to holiday candles and flames, we all know what can happen but often forget how easy it is to leave them unattended when we are cooking, greeting, cleaning and hosting. Flameless candles offer a safer and less-stress alternative.
We would love to see pics of your furry family members this holiday season as we remember ours. Feel free to email bobbi@bobbidecker.com to share your pet and their favorite part of the holidays!
Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999
Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
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