8 State Hurricane Kate

Dear friends,

Here are some valuable holiday tips for you and your pets from animal communicator Mary Getten (http://www.marygetten.com/), with a few of my own added below. I hope you and your pets have a safe and happy holiday season.

HOLIDAY REMINDERS

During the Holidays, there are many new hazards for our pets. Here’s a quick reminder to ensure that you and your pets have a safe and joyous time.

* Holiday Food – Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis and gastrointestinal issues. Chocolate, coffee, and onions are toxic to dogs and cats. Rising dough on a counter top is irresistible to some pets, and can cause serious problems. Don’t forget that wrapped food gifts under or on the tree can be easily consumed by dogs, cats, birds and small pets. Not only are the food items a problem, but those wrappers are impossible to digest.

* Holiday Plants – Many lilies are deadly to cats. Mistletoe, poinsettias and holly cause gastrointestinal upset for all critters. Christmas tree water can be filled with chemicals or bacteria and pine sap is dangerous if ingested. Secure your tree to the wall so your pets can’t knock it over.

* Decorations – Tinsel, ribbon, ornaments and hooks are attractive play things for many small animals. If swallowed they may cause internal blockages requiring surgery. Broken glass ornaments can cut paws and mouths. If your pet likes to play with things on the tree, decorate the lower third with unbreakable wood or plastic ornaments.

* Candles – Put burning candles in places that are inaccessible to your pets. They could set themselves on fire or tip the candle over and start a fire in the house.

* Batteries – Don’t leave batteries for those Christmas toys lying around. They are fun to play with, but contain corrosives. If ingested, they can cause mouth ulcerations and intestinal issues.

Remember to tell your pets about any visitors that will be coming, or if you will be away over the holidays, and if things are going to be stressful, give them Rescue Remedy in their water dish.

Blessings to each and every one of you humans, cats, dogs, horses, birds, reptiles, fish and small critters. Have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, friends and good times.

~ Mary Getten

If you’re traveling with pets, please make sure they have proper ID (tags and registered microchip) and are riding safely in travel kennels secured in the car, or are restrained in pet safety belts with distributed loads designed to keep your pets safe. Don’t let pets ride loose or tied by the collar around their neck—this could lead to ejection from the vehicle, or strangulation. Walk dogs on a secure harness or martingale collar that they can’t back out of, to make sure they don’t get lost at rest stops or in unfamiliar places. Click here for more information on pet vehicle safety.

Bring pet records along in case they’re needed while you’re on the road (the Not Without My Dog Resource & Record Book can help you organize records), and don’t forget to talk to your pets to let them know where you’re going.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Jenny, Bandit, Chase and Cayenne