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Issue Date: December 16, 2007
Pet-happy holiday tips
By Steve Dale
It's just days before Christmas, and you're so busy with last-minute shopping, visiting friends and attending parties that you're hardly at home.
Don't leave a chocolate treat for Santa. If fido eats it, he'll get sick
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To ease guilt about not spending more time with your dog, stuff low-fat peanut butter or other treats inside toys such as a Kong, Orbee-Tuff Ball or Busy Buddy to keep her occupied.
Other tips:
--Some pets thrive on extra attention from holiday visitors, but not all pets are social butterflies. Respect their right to be bashful.
--When you receive gifts, remove any ribbon and tinsel before displaying them. They're enticing to your cat, in particular, and you don't want him in surgery on Christmas Day.
-- Many people add substances such as sugar, fertilizers or commercial preservatives to the water at the base of a Christmas tree. That can harm pets if they lap it up. Arrange a skirt around the tree stand to prevent drinking.
-- Don't leave chocolate out for Santa. It's dangerous for your pets (and Santa doesn't need the extra calories).
-- Include all family members in the big day. Pets, too, appreciate gifts.
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