Holiday Tips for Safe Pets

Many kids — including the grownup kind — put a puppy a the top of their Christmas gift wishlist. Most organizations actually advise you to hold off getting a pet during this busy time of year.

If you’re determined to do the dog with a red bow under the tree route, definitely consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog because it’s the right thing to do. These animals need homes, it’s better for the planet, and it goes with the giving spirit of the season.

For those of you welcoming a pet, either to stay or just visiting with family or friends, the good folks at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have a great list of holiday animal safety tips to help you pet-proof your home, including:

Make sure the tree is secured so Fido or Mr. Whiskers doesn’t accidentally bring the whole thing down

Skip the tinsel on the tree — cats love it, and it doesn’t love them back, causing severe intestinal troubles

Careful with the candy — chocolate is very bad for your pet, as is the artificial sweetner xylitol

Check the safety of pet toys — well intentioned gifts may have dangerous small parts

Say no to mistletoe — bad for pet tummies and hearts! Holly and some lilies are also pet-dangerous

Check out all of the rules, including tips for letting guests show some pet love, on the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips page.

And while you’re visiting the ASPCA, consider an end of year donation to support the great work they do rescuing animals from bad situations.