The holiday season can be a very exciting, but hectic time of year. We’ve all experienced the pressures of buying gifts and the added stress of actually finding them. Not to mention we’ve got to fit all the holiday parties and visits to family or friends into our already packed daily routines. Sometimes we get so caught up in all these issues that we forget about what’s going on with our pets. While we’re off tending to the demands of the holiday season, our pets are more often than not, left home alone. And for those of us with decorations strewn throughout the house, we can easily forget how appealing all these new sights and smells can be for a pet. So, as we celebrate our holiday festivities, let’s all try to pay close attention to seasonal items that could prove to be harmful pet hazards.

The Tree

It only takes a second for a rambunctious pup to crash into a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Make sure that your tree is secured in a sturdy stand or anchored to the wall to prevent an accident. Water from your tree can also cause some problems. Often, the tree water can contain fertilizers or tree preservatives that can lead to an upset stomach. Also, keep breakable ornaments away from the bottom of the tree. It’s much safer to place them well out of your pet’s reach, or not use them at all.

The Goods

Shiny and colorful packages, especially those with food scents, can be a huge temptation to your pet. Ones containing batteries are some of the most dangerous. A chewed battery can cause harmful burns, poisoning, or intestinal blockage. So be sure to keep these well out of reach and install them once the gift has been opened.

The Plants

While Christmas plants like Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias are beautiful, they are also toxic to dogs and cats. Be aware of this and keep an eye on them. Use good judgment as to where to place these plants, and should you see your pet snacking on them, seek veterinary care immediately.

The Grub

With a houseful of guests and an abundance of food, the chances of the dog also raiding an unattended plate or drink can be high. Among others, greasy, fatty foods, onions, chocolate and coffee can pose a real danger to you pet. They can cause everything from upset stomachs to full blown poisoning, so again, make sure to watch your pets carefully.

For peace of mind, check with your vet to see when they’re open over the holidays and keep their number close at hand. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Christmas is almost here! But for the time being that ringing you hear isn’t from sleigh bells, it’s from check stands. For many, these last few weeks before Christmas are spent shopping for the perfect gift, which for a lot of parents, is a new pet. While the image of a puppy under the tree with a big red bow may seem like that perfect gift, you might want to consider a few things before deciding to adopt a new pet into the family.

Cost

Because the actual purchase of your pet isn’t the only cost you’ll have, it’s important to decide if you’re financially ready to support them. Veterinary bills and supplies can run up the bill quite a bit. If you’re thinking about getting a dog or cat, make sure to figure in the price of neutering or spaying. Here’s a great link where you can find out the cost and care level of a variety of pets, www.theFUNplace.com/house/pets/petwork

Time

You also need to determine if both you and your kids will have enough time. Once the novelty of a new pet subsides, someone is still going to have to look after it. Unlike toys or clothes, pets are a lifetime commitment.

Space

Is there room in your home for this pet? Depending on the type of pet, you’ll need to make sure there’s plenty of space for everyone. Some pets like fish or reptiles require minimal space, while others like dogs need plenty. Additionally, larger animals need room to run, so make sure there’s a large area for them outside your home.

Other Considerations

• If you’re renting, make sure to check with your landlord about their pet policies.

• Allergies! About 15% of people in the United States are allergic to animals, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

If you’re like most animal owners living in cold-weather regions, you lose your enthusiasm for brisk, early-morning dog walking right around the time temperatures begin to drop. But just like exercise is important for us, it is for your pooch too. Not to mention day after day of being inside has the potential to get really boring.

Dogs love to play, regardless of season and most will really enjoy a good game of hide and seek. There’s a couple different ways you can play. Tell your pup to sit and stay (or have someone hold him) and then find a spot for yourself to hide. At first, don’t hide too well or your four-legged playmate may get frustrated and bored of the game. Once you’ve found a hiding spot, call your dog’s name a couple of times and see if he can find you.

Another way to play is to hide a treat for your dog to find. Hold the treat in your closed hand, letting your dog smell it but not see it. Line up three bowls and place the treat under one of them. As your dog watches, mix up the bowls. Then let your pooch sniff out the treat. Tupperware bowls work well here because the lip on the top makes it easy for dog to flip the bowl.

Another way to keep your dog free of winter flab is an exercise called “doggie push-ups.” Have them sit and then lie down. From the down position, have them sit, and then lie down again. Ta-da, your pup has just done a push-up. Do this a few times in a row and you’ll help keep them fit and entertained!

Speaking of entertainment, you might want to bring your dog along the next time you visit a friend’s or neighbor’s house. Dogs love play dates too and need a change of scenery every now and then. You can visit with your friend, while your pup explores his new surroundings or plays with your friend’s dog.

You can also spend some time teaching your dog some new tricks, like how to dance or wave. Not only are tricks fun, but they also keep your dog entertained and active. Check out www.atlantahumane.org/pet-tricks for directions to these tricks and few more.

So remember, bad weather doesn’t have to equal boredom or inactivity for you and your pup. Now, the next time it comes your way, you’ll be ready!