COLUMNS
November 28, 2009 As the song says, "Deck the halls with boughs of holly!"
That's what a lot of us are doing this Thanksgiving weekend, which is considered the official start to the Christmas season, a time full of decorations and good things to eat and family and friends to share it with.
Unfortunately, Christmas decorations can pose some dangers for our pets.
The needles on live trees and the water in the tree stand can both cause digestive problems.
So can the tinsel on the tree, and even ribbon from the packages, when it's swallowed.
Most experts recommend keeping your pet out of the room with the Christmas tree unless you are there to supervise.
A baby gate across the doorway will help if closing the door is not an option.
The tree ornaments themselves can pose a hazard to your pet.
Cats like to bat the shiny glass ones, but they can shatter and cut tender foot pads when your pet walks through the debris.
A dog might mistake an ornament for a ball, and bite down on it – only to realize (too late) that was a mistake.
The ornaments hooks can really do some damage to an animal's digestive tract if swallowed.
Lights aren't usually much of a problem, but those electrical cords may look enticing to a cat who wants to play, or a puppy that likes to chew.
Try to run the cords under the tree skirt or a rug, out of sight, to remove the temptation.
Lots of plants we like to set out at Christmas are not pet-friendly.
That holly you're decorating the halls with has berries that can cause major digestive upset for your pet.
The same is true of Poinsettias and mistletoe and a host of other plants.
Keep your pet away from the potted plants – and the potpourri, which makes the room smell so great.
That enticing aroma comes from oils that may lure your pet into thinking it will taste yummy; instead, it could cause problems serious enough to require major veterinary care.
Just a few precautions won't keep you from celebrating the holidays, but it may mean your best friend will enjoy the Christmas season as well, when you're speaking of pets.
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