Keep Your Pets Safe During The Holidays (NAPSA)—Pet owners who understand that the same holiday treats and trimmings considered harmless for us could be a serious health risk for their pets are bark- PRroach! “ ing up the right tree. The Ameri- can Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)offers pet owners some helpful hints to ensure that their pets will stay happy, healthy and stress free for the Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas holidays: Crowds and holiday festivities can frighten some animals If your pet does not enjoy being arounda lot of people, make sure you set aside a safe and quiet haven for her to retreat if necessary. If you are a cat owner, remember that cats are creatures of habit. Disruptions in the home during the holidays, such as rearranging the furniture, could cause your feline to stop using the litterbox. Alcohol and pets do NOT mix. Place unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot reach them; the same holds true for leftovers. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages and greasy, spicy andfatty foods can cause stomach upset. Boiled or grilled meats and fresh vegetables can be offered as a healthy alternative. * Be careful with holiday decorations. Common Yuletide plants off THERE’S NO HOLIDAY on pet safety. Make sure your holiday candles are placed where pets can’t overturn them. such as mistletoe, ivy and holly berries can be poisonous or even fatal. Christmas tree water may contain dangerousfertilizers and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure your Christmas and Hanukah candles are placed where your pets can’t overturn them and possibly burn themselves or your home. Decorate your tree with animal safe wood or fabric ornaments or pine cones. Tin- sel, ribbon and popcorn strands can be deadly if swallowed. For more information about pet care and other animal welfare related issues, visit the society’s Website at www.aspca.org.
