Holiday Safety Tips for Your Cairns!

Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy for your Cairns!

1. The Christmas Tree

A holiday tree can look more like a playground than a holiday decoration to a curious cat. To keep pets safe, be sure to anchor your holiday tree well so it doesn’t tip and fall.

2. Decorative Dangers

Pets may think tinsel and ornaments are toys – but when ingested, these holiday decorations can obstruct the digestive tract, causing serious health concerns. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of your pet’s reach at all times.

3. Gift Safety

Avoid giving pets toys that can be chewed into pieces. There is always the risk of pieces of a chewed toy becoming lodged in a pet’s esophagus or digestive tract. Although cats love yarn and ribbon, the long fibers can also cause intestinal blockages. When giving gifts to furry family members, it’s best to stick to safer toys (like kongs and balls) and healthy treats .

4. Festive Plants

Some holiday plants, when ingested, can cause health problems for pets. Avoid decorative plants such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies – which can be the most dangerous. Even pine needles, when ingested, can wreck havoc in your pet’s intestines – so keep your pet away from fallen needles.

5. Human Food

Holiday foods, including fatty meats (especially roasts with bones), gravy, spicy foods, sweets and chocolate should all be kept far away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the holiday table and unattended plates of food.

6. Holiday Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are dangerous when ingested by pets and should never be left on tables that are within your pet’s reach.

7. Holiday Lighting

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Be sure candles are placed on a stable surface and always put the flames out prior to leaving a room.

8. Reduce Stresses

The excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets, triggering possible illness and intestinal upset. If you’re hosting any holiday parties, make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

9. Tree Water

Standing/stagnant tree water can grow bacteria (making it unsafe for pets to drink) – so it’s best to keep your pet away from the trees so they are not tempted to sip the water.

10. Poison Control

If you believe that your pet might have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Wellness Blog

Safety Tips for New Year's Eve!

Plan ahead so that you and your Cairns can enjoy New Year's Eve in spite of the fireworks!

We all want to keep our dogs safe and secure in stressful situations, and fireworks can scare them.  Some dogs will exhibit signs of fear that can include pacing, panting, trembling, salivating, trying to escape and/or barking.  Many dogs will actually injure themselves when trying to escape.  (I've even seen dogs that were hit by a car when they tried to flee from noises.)  What can you do to help keep your dog stay calm during the fireworks this weekend?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Consider not taking your dog to the fireworks display.  Make sure that your dog will be calm at home, or stay home with your dog during the fireworks.  Keep your dog confined in a comfortable location, if possible.  Walk your dog BEFORE the fireworks start.

2. Don't try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention.  This can sometimes exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your dog's fearful response.

3. Some dogs are very sensitive to people's moods and may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise.  It is best to act happy and upbeat or to redirect your dog's attention to some absorbing activity.

4. If you must leave your dog at home alone during the fireworks, consider what would make your dog most comfortable.  Bring your dog indoors.  Would he feel safest in a crate?  Try turning on the radio, television, fan or air conditioner as "white noise".  Make sure you provide a comfortable hiding place or "safe place" for your dog in case he is scared during the fireworks.

5. Pet anxiety studies have shown that music can have a calming effect on a stressed out pet.  I would recommend the Music My Pet CD.  This musical CD was created for the specific purpose of calming pets.  The classical music tracks were arranged to have a smooth soothing dynamic from beginning to end.  And the music is performed using only those instruments that have been proven to have a calming effect on pets (like the harp, flute and piano).  Try playing the CD before the fireworks begin to get your dog into a relaxed state, and continue playing it throughout the fireworks.

So, the best way to deal with this issue is to be prepared.  Before the fireworks begin, anticipate your dog's reaction to these loud noises.  Whenever possible try to avoid exposing your dog to fireworks.  If this is not possible, do everything that you can to make your dog feel more comfortable and secure.  Talk to your dog in a light, cheerful tone that sends a comforting message that the noise is no big deal.  Encourage your dog to find a quiet restful place to wait out the noise.

Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve and take time to be sure that your pets do too!!

Safety First for the Holidays!

Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy for your Cairns!

1. The Christmas Tree

A holiday tree can look more like a playground than a holiday decoration to a curious cat. To keep pets safe, be sure to anchor your holiday tree well so it doesn’t tip and fall.

2. Decorative Dangers

Pets may think tinsel and ornaments are toys – but when ingested, these holiday decorations can obstruct the digestive tract, causing serious health concerns. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of your pet’s reach at all times.

3. Gift Safety

Avoid giving pets toys that can be chewed into pieces. There is always the risk of pieces of a chewed toy becoming lodged in a pet’s esophagus or digestive tract. Although cats love yarn and ribbon, the long fibers can also cause intestinal blockages. When giving gifts to furry family members, it’s best to stick to safer toys (like kongs and balls) and healthy treats .

4. Festive Plants

Some holiday plants, when ingested, can cause health problems for pets. Avoid decorative plants such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies – which can be the most dangerous. Even pine needles, when ingested, can wreck havoc in your pet’s intestines – so keep your pet away from fallen needles.

5. Human Food

Holiday foods, including fatty meats (especially roasts with bones), gravy, spicy foods, sweets and chocolate should all be kept far away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the holiday table and unattended plates of food.

6. Holiday Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are dangerous when ingested by pets and should never be left on tables that are within your pet’s reach.

7. Holiday Lighting

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Be sure candles are placed on a stable surface and always put the flames out prior to leaving a room.

8. Reduce Stresses

The excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets, triggering possible illness and intestinal upset. If you’re hosting any holiday parties, make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

9. Tree Water

Standing/stagnant tree water can grow bacteria (making it unsafe for pets to drink) – so it’s best to keep your pet away from the trees so they are not tempted to sip the water.

10. Poison Control

If you believe that your pet might have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Wellness Blog

Keeping Your Cairns Safe & Happy over the Holidays!

Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy for your Cairns!

1. The Christmas Tree

A holiday tree can look more like a playground than a holiday decoration to a curious cat. To keep pets safe, be sure to anchor your holiday tree well so it doesn’t tip and fall.

2. Decorative Dangers

Pets may think tinsel and ornaments are toys – but when ingested, these holiday decorations can obstruct the digestive tract, causing serious health concerns. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of your pet’s reach at all times.

3. Gift Safety

Avoid giving pets toys that can be chewed into pieces. There is always the risk of pieces of a chewed toy becoming lodged in a pet’s esophagus or digestive tract. Although cats love yarn and ribbon, the long fibers can also cause intestinal blockages. When giving gifts to furry family members, it’s best to stick to safer toys (like kongs and balls) and healthy treats .

4. Festive Plants

Some holiday plants, when ingested, can cause health problems for pets. Avoid decorative plants such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies – which can be the most dangerous. Even pine needles, when ingested, can wreck havoc in your pet’s intestines – so keep your pet away from fallen needles.

5. Human Food

Holiday foods, including fatty meats (especially roasts with bones), gravy, spicy foods, sweets and chocolate should all be kept far away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the holiday table and unattended plates of food.

6. Holiday Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are dangerous when ingested by pets and should never be left on tables that are within your pet’s reach.

7. Holiday Lighting

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Be sure candles are placed on a stable surface and always put the flames out prior to leaving a room.

8. Reduce Stresses

The excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets, triggering possible illness and intestinal upset. If you’re hosting any holiday parties, make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

9. Tree Water

Standing/stagnant tree water can grow bacteria (making it unsafe for pets to drink) – so it’s best to keep your pet away from the trees so they are not tempted to sip the water.

10. Poison Control

If you believe that your pet might have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Wellness Blog

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

Wellness Blog

1. The Christmas Tree
A holiday tree can look more like a playground than a holiday decoration to a curious cat. To keep pets safe, be sure to anchor your holiday tree well so it doesn’t tip and fall.

2. Decorative Dangers
Pets may think tinsel and ornaments are toys – but when ingested, these holiday decorations can obstruct the digestive tract, causing serious health concerns. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of your pet’s reach at all times.

3. Gift Safety
Avoid giving pets toys that can be chewed into pieces. There is always the risk of pieces of a chewed toy becoming lodged in a pet’s esophagus or digestive tract. Although cats love yarn and ribbon, the long fibers can also cause intestinal blockages. When giving gifts to furry family members, it’s best to stick to safer toys (like kongs and balls) and healthy treats .

4. Festive Plants
Some holiday plants, when ingested, can cause health problems for pets. Avoid decorative plants such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies – which can be the most dangerous. Even pine needles, when ingested, can wreck havoc in your pet’s intestines – so keep your pet away from fallen needles.

5. Human Food
Holiday foods, including fatty meats (especially roasts with bones), gravy, spicy foods, sweets and chocolate should all be kept far away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the holiday table and unattended plates of food.

6. Holiday Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are dangerous when ingested by pets and should never be left on tables that are within your pet’s reach.

7. Holiday Lighting
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Be sure candles are placed on a stable surface and always put the flames out prior to leaving a room.

8. Reduce Stresses
The excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets, triggering possible illness and intestinal upset. If you’re hosting any holiday parties, make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

9. Tree Water
Standing/stagnant tree water can grow bacteria (making it unsafe for pets to drink) – so it’s best to keep your pet away from the trees so they are not tempted to sip the water.

10. Poison Control
If you believe that your pet might have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control Center immediately.