Keeping your pets safe during the fall and winter holiday season

It’s almost the holiday season again! As temperatures get cooler, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your pets safe.

Don’t leave your pet out in the cold!

First of all, make sure your pet has a safe way to get out of the cold. Reconsider “outside only” pets. Most of our domesticated pets don’t adapt well to extreme cold or heat. Make a safe area of the house so that your dog or cat has a warm and cozy place to stay while it’s cold outside.

Don’t give leftovers!

Before giving your pet a treat, make sure it’s safe to eat. Here is a link to a list of foods that are toxic to dogs and cats. Also, cooked bones are asking for trouble – they are delicious, which means your pet may gulp them and choke, or chew them into harmful splinters. Stick with safe chews that are made for dogs or cats.

Do think about safety this holiday season!

There are many things you can do to ensure your pets’ safety this winter. Consider giving your four-legged friend one of these safety-oriented gifts:

- Toys. Make sure they’re safe for your pet. For example, tennis balls, while great fetch toys, aren’t good for dogs to chew on for a long time. Choose toys specifically made for your pet for the best results.

- A seatbelt. Your friends may think you’re crazy, but in case of an accident, you probably don’t want your friend flying out of the car. Make sure you get one that’s been crash-tested!

- Dog & Cat First Aid. You can take this class at the American Red Cross. You can’t bring your pets, but it’s a great way to learn how to be prepared for many different kinds of emergencies. Included in the price of the class is your choice of a Dog First Aid or Cat First Aid book.

Stay Safe!