Family, friends, parties, decorations, food. Christmas can be a wonderful time of year. However, many of the same things that make the holiday season an enjoyable time for humans, make it a dangerous time for pets. To assist people in protecting their pets during the holidays, the Humane Society of Canada has put together a list of some common holiday hazards that people should be made aware of.

1. Christmas Tree: Problems can occur when pets have access to the Christmas tree. Cats may want to climb the tree while dogs may knock it over. It is a good idea to safely secure the tree at the top and bottom. If your tree is real, don’t allow animal companions to drink from the tree reservoir and don’t use tree preservatives in the water. Christmas tree water can contain nasty chemicals that can cause illness in pets. Use a stand that has a cover for the water so that your pets cannot access it. Evergreen needles that have fallen from the tree should be cleaned up, as they can be harmful if ingested.

2. Decorations: Glass ornaments, which can shatter into tiny, sharp pieces, should be avoided wherever there are pets. Tinsel and ribbon, which can cause gastrointestinal blockages, should also be avoided. Avoid using food decorations, such as popcorn garlands – the string is a choking hazard, and the tree might be knocked over. Liquid, bubbling lights shouldn’t be used, as the liquid is a harmful chemical.

3. Electrical Cords, Fire, and Candles: Electrical cords can harm animals or cause fires. Electrical cords and wires should be inaccessible to pets. Consider using extension cords that can shut off the flow of electricity when a fire hazard is detected. A fire in the hearth or woodstove, and lit candles make for a cozy atmosphere, especially around Christmas; however, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that pets are not hurt by fire or accidentally start one. Candles should never be left unattended; pets can easily knock them over. Fireplaces should have screens or doors that fit snugly, and minimize the risk of shooting embers.

4. Food: Many people indulge in rich and sweet foods at Christmas. Unfortunately, some pets are also given human food treats that can be harmful, and even fatal, to animals. Candies can make pets sick. Chocolate, alcohol, onions and garlic are toxic to animals and must be off limits to pets. Bones, particularly chicken and turkey bones that are brittle and can splinter and lodge in an animal’s throat or intestine, must be avoided.

5. Toxic Plants: There are numerous kinds of plants that are associated with Christmas and which are also harmful to animals. The toxicity varies with each type of plant; some have a low toxicity while others are very toxic and can result in death. Avoid plants that can harm pets. For more information on plants that are harmful to animals check with your veterinarian, search the Internet and/or contact The Humane Society of Canada at 1-800-641-KIND (5463).

Keep Your Pet Safe

Eat, drink, and be merry... but be safe, too! Here are a few tips on how to help keep your pet safe and happy over the busy holiday season.

Keep toxic holiday plants out of your pet's reach. Some festive plants toxic to animals include: Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, Poinsettia, Lily, Star of Bethlehem, Christmas rose, Christmas cactus, Jerusalem cherry, Hibiscus, Yew, Jequirity bean, Christmas greens (e.g. pine, cedar)

Try to keep your pet on his regular diet. Ask guests not to feed your pet tidbits -- too many snacks of the wrong type can cause severe illness. Leftovers such as greasy, rich, fatty foods can cause severe discomfort or illness, or diarrhea in your pet. Make sure your pet can't get into the garbage either, as cooked bones may splinter and cause injury to your pet if he attempts to eat them. If you want to give your pet a treat, try offering some fresh veggies or a bit of grilled or boiled meat instead. Many excellent dog treats are available at specialty pet stores as well - why not try something new?

Keep inappropriate items out of harm's way. Some pets may decide that aluminum foil or plastic wrap are good things to eat. Likewise, they might swallow tinsel from the tree. Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals. Other potentially dangerous items include ornament hooks, batteries, and Styrofoam.

Tobacco products can be fatal if ingested. Signs of poisoning develop fairly quickly, usually within 15 to 45 minutes, and include excitation, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets can also develop seizures or cardiac arrest. Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, nicotine gum and patches, and ashtrays should always be kept out of reach.

Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain a dangerous substance called xanthines which can cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart stimulation. Other foods to be concerned about:

• Uncooked yeast dough can actually expand in your dog or cat’s digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
• Grapes and raisins contain a toxin which can damage the kidneys.
• Macadamia nuts are also toxic and can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of your pet.
• Avocado contains a toxic ingredient called persin that can cause difficulty breathing, abdominal enlargement, abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen and sac around the heart.
• Potato peelings and green looking potatoes.

Make sure your pet doesn't escape out the door. With so many people coming and going, a pet could easily slip out the door undetected.

Give your pet his own comfortable, quiet place. Many pets enjoy the excitement of the holidays, but others find it stressful. Watch your pet for signs that he's had enough excitement.