It's the most wonderful time of year, and your pets feel that excitement too!

They see light strings and cords they can chew on, tinsel and ribbon they can eat, a Christmas tree to beat up and destroy or even pee on, and that heavenly smell of holiday turkey.

Owner and Founder of Heaven Can Wait, Kim Hessel, says it's important to keep an eye on your pets during the holidays and do a little pet-proofing around your house.

"So much of the wisdom is really just common sense. Animals like to chew things and eat things. My own cat yesterday was chewing on some ribbon and started throwing it up." She advises "There are things we can always do around our house just to kind of eyeball and make sure that our animals can't get into anything that normally they don't see."

She says there is an increased danger to pets during the holidays simply because of all those new shiny, sparkly things.

"At Christmas time there are all sorts of extra things around you, right? Tinsel, poinsettias, are some of the big ones and Lily's is another poisonous one for cats. These are all just things you want to make sure animals can't get access to.

She also advises against sharing a majority of your Christmas Turkey with your pets as cooked bones can be a hazard and rich foods might have you up all night cleaning up after your pets, instead of watching for Santa.

With temperatures expected to drop, Hessel says it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the temperature gauge and ensure you're dogs and cats aren't getting too cold.

"It's really a naive thing to think that because animals have fur they can withstand the cooler temperatures. Paws are especially susceptible this time of year to frostbite, ears as well." She adds "My best advice is that if you're going to let your animals out, keep it short and then bring them back in. They really can't take this kind of weather especially when it's over a period of hours."

Even outdoor dogs still need to be looked after, adds Hessel.

"Even the thick-coated dogs that are used to being outdoors, they can handle the cold up to a point but they still need to have access to someplace a little bit warmer at the very least, a heated shelter or some kind of shelter that gives them protection from the wind."

Hessel says you can use straw as bedding or insulation in a dog shelter to protect from wind and cold.

As for her own animals, Hessel says they'll be nestled snug in their beds with visions of milk bones dancing in their heads.

She and her animals are wishing you a vet-free, safe, and fun holiday season with your loved ones.

 

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