Celebrating Safely

- HOLIDAY DECORATIONS can be dangerous to pets. Glass balls, holiday lights, tinsel, garlands (especially those made of popcorn or cranberries) should be displayed out of your pet's reach. Cover or tack down electrical cords. Read warnings on items such as spray-on snow. Never put ribbons around your pet's neck or allow it to play with plastic or foil wrappings, string or six-pack beverage holders.

- SECURE THE TREE in its holder, anchoring it to the wall if needed.

- BATTERIES, especially lithium batteries are particularly hazardous when eaten.

- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, chocolate (especially the dark or semi-sweet variety), grapes, raisins, onions and bones from poultry, pork and fish can be extremely harmful or toxic to pets. Also turkey skin, gravy or other fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Keep your pet on his regular diet and always have fresh, clean water available for him..

- MANY PLANTS, including Christmas rose, holly, mistletoe, philodendron and dieffenbachia, are toxic to pets. Although poinsettias may not be a deadly hazard, they're still not good to gnaw on. Keep all plants out of your pet's reach.

- SCENTED OIL AND CANDLES can entice the curious pets, especially dogs. Keep oil holders and candles up high and away from windows and draperies.

- PETS LIKE THE SMELL AND TASTE OF ANTIFREEZE, but even a very small amount (as little as a teaspoonful) can harm your pet. Thoroughly clean up spills at once and tightly close containers and store them where pets cannot get to them. If you suspect your pet has even tasted antifreeze, seek help immediately.

- SALT AND CHEMICALS used on icy sidewalks can cause vomiting and diarrhea if your pet licks his paws after walking through some; it can also burn the feet. Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet's paws and coat at once.

- KEEP INDOOR PETS in a dry, warm area free of drafts.

- PROVIDE OUTDOOR DOGS OR CATS with a dry, insulated pet house or shelter out of the wind. Bring your pet inside if the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. Seek help if you suspect your pet has frostbite.

- IF YOU THINK YOUR PET has eaten something toxic and you need immediate advise, you can contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 (there is a fee) or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

- AREA EMERGENCY SERVICES:

Dayton Emergency Veterinary Services, 2714 Springboro Road (Dryden Road exit (50-A) off 1-75)

937-293-2714

Cincinnati Care Center, 6995 East Kemper Road Oustoff the Reed Hartman Highway exit on 275)

513-530-0911