CHRISTMAS TREES/DECORATIONS:

If you have a Christmas tree and pets, you may have a recipe for trouble.

• First, make sure the tree is well secured. Tinsel and other Christmas tree ornaments when ingested by a dog (or cat), can become extremely dangerous. Tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the tinsel's sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.
• Try to place decorations above paw height and use string to hang the bulbs instead of hooks, which are easily dislodged Dogs and cats may play with glass ornaments as if they were balls and serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet's mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.
• Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your dog as they are to children.  Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten.
• Cords for lights should be made inaccessible to pets - especially from chewing puppies and exploring kittens. Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there and try to use pet-proof extension cords.
• Keep in mind that the chemicals added to the water reservoir of your Christmas tree to keep your tree living longer won’t do the same for your pet. The chemicals are toxic to animals, so keep the reservoir covered. Even though you take precautions, make sure your dog is always supervised when in a room with a tree.
• Supervise all candles - pets are attracted to the bright "lights" in a darkened room. Not only could they receive serious burns, but they could knock the candles over, spilling hot wax onto furniture and carpeting. Don't leave candles unattended for their sake and for the obvious fire hazards.

GIFTS UNDER THE TREE:

• Rawhide or other edible items left under the tree can be very tempting, and remember that companies often package rawhide or other pet gifts wrapped in ribbon.
• Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your dog. If played with and swallowed, yarn, ribbon, or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery.
• Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and perfume also contains essential oils which can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.
• Batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction. Keep in a safe place until they are ready to be inserted in the gift
• Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around pet’s necks for the holidays. The pets can tighten ribbons resulting in choking or hang themselves if the ribbon is caught on an object.