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     The holidays can be a stressful time for your pets. 

Here are a few tips to get your pet ready for winter and the holidays

• - Don't use glass ornaments. They may break and cut a your pet's feet and mouth.
• - No edible ornaments. Your dog or cat may knock the tree over in an attempt to grab them.
• - Whether your tree is live or ornamental, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible.
• Keep the tree in a room that can be blocked off or have a barrier so the pets cannot get to the tree..
• Tinsel is dangerous -- so if used, keep it up high.   It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.
• Remember chocolate and alcohol are toxic for pets. Keep eggnog, sweet treats and other seasonal goodies out of reach.
• Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Keep them out of reach!
• Inspect all holiday gifts for dogs or cats to ensure they are safe and not toxic. Items such as vinyl, plastic and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.
• Keep lights from the lower tree branches. They may get very hot and burn dogs, cats (or toddlers)
• Take care with electic cords.  Pets may chew them -- or they can get shocked or electrocuted.

GENERAL WINTER CONCERNS   

WINTER COLD CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOUR PETS                                                                    Carley

• Don't leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind-chill makes the air colder than actual temperature readings.
• Check your pet's body temperature and limit time outdoors.
• Provide adequate shelter.  Keep your dog or cat warm, dry and away from drafts.
• If an outdoor kennel... place blankets and pads on floors and/or in a plastic swimming pool for shelter and warmth.
• Careful walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, ponds or rivers. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured (so could you).
• Groom your pet regularly. A well-groomed coat keeps your pet insulated. Short and/or coarse haired dogs and short haired cats may get extra cold so consider a sweater or coat.
• Long-haired dogs should have their nails clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of feet. Musher's wax is one product that safely and effectively coats the dogs pads, protecting them from ice, cold and cracking.
• Towel or blow-dry your pet if  the pet gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean their paws.
• Don't leave your dog or cat alone in a car. It gets too cold and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.
• Rock salt may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet's feet after a walk.
• Provide plenty of water. Your dog or cat is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer.   Remember snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
• Frostbite is a winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog or cat outdoors for too long.
• Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your pet. Keep portable heaters out of reach and make sure screens are in front of the fireplace.

WINTER EXERCISE - STRESS REDUCTION

The holiday season is NOT the time to start training your puppy or kitten.

• Puppies, dogs, kittens and cats get stressed during the holidays. Allow them time-outs if you cannot supervise interactions between visitors and your pet.
• Pets need to be exercised regularly for optimum health and well-being.
• Just like humans, dogs need to be "conditioned" for specific sports or winter exercise.  Be sure to have your pet do a warmup.
•    
• Different breeds are better coated for harsh winter weather. Short coated breeds, need protection!
• If you have an energetic pet but it is too cold to be outside, consider a healthy outlet like indoor dog sports/agility - or indoor play with your cat. 
• To alleviate winter boredom around the home, create games that simulate outdoor activity. What does your dog or cat enjoy doing: digging, chewing, chasing things down? Hide a biscuit or favorite toy or find a local indoor agility facility.  

Tips /photos- compliments of Dog Talk & Thera Pet LLC with permission.

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Disclaimer:   Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice.  Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.  Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.
Copyright © 2008 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved. Copyrights "Winterize your Pets ...  Holiday Tips for Pets and their Owners" 

Tips adapted with permission from DogTalk & TheraPet LLC - do not copy or adapt without permission from Dog Talk & Thera Pet LLC