November 19, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Keep your pets safe during the holiday season The holidays are here! Chestnut-scented air carries the songs of the season into the house as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins share warm smiles and embraces. The family pets dash underfoot, energized by the excitement that surrounds them. Maybe it would be fun if the kids and the pets posed for a picture with the mistletoe – but pet care experts caution against doing so. Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can be poisonous to cats and dogs. “It’s easy to assume that pets are safe as they move into the cold weather months and share the holiday season with you, and it’s also almost as easy to take some simple mea- sures to increase the safety for all of your furry friends,” said Mike Lynn of Midland Park-based Lynn’s Pet Care. Lynn offers the following holiday safety suggestions. Christmas trees should be securely anchored and should not have ornaments or lights hung on the lower branches. Ornaments pose choking and intestinal obstruction risks for pets. In addition, ornaments can shatter, and the broken shards can injure the paws and mouths of dogs and cats. The warm wires and low cords can entice pets to chew, which can lead to serious burns and even electrocution. Secure or cover all lights and extension cords and unplug them when they are not in use. Try using a non-toxic taste deterrent to keep pets from chewing things they shouldn’t, such as tinsel. While not necessarily toxic, tinsel that is ingested can be a danger to pets’ intestines. Bypass the tinsel, or hang it well out of your pet’s reach. Pets are also attracted to the water in the tree stand. However, this water often contains residual fertilizer, anti- freeze, and other preservatives that are not at all safe for pet consumption and, as the water stagnates, dangerous bacteria may develop. A skirt around the tree might be the answer. Those who purchased a live tree should keep up with the removal of fallen needles, which can cause a variety of illnesses if ingested. Candles should always be monitored and kept away from pets. A wagging tail or a curious kitty could lead to a candle being knocked over and a pet getting burned or causing a house fire. Be sure to extinguish all candles when leaving the room. When including pets in the gift-giving, remember to chose toys that will keep cats and dogs safe. Balls and toys that are too small pose choking hazards for pets. Dogs love to chew, and chew, and chew -- especially puppies. Chew toys that are virtually indestructible are the way to go. (Steer clear of toys the dog can tear apart so the animal will not be at risk of swallowing anything dan- gerous.) Kongs are always good choices. Made from soft, durable rubber with a space designed to hold a treat, these toys provide the dog with an interesting problem to solve and a means of exercising his or her incisors without dam- aging anyone’s new slippers. Those who buy or receive a dog toy that is not “dog- proof” can remove ribbons, strings, beads, plastic eyes, or other parts that could be chewed or ingested to make it safer. Always discard any toy that has started to break into pieces. Cats also love to play. Play time is a safe outlet for their energy, provides mental and physical stimulation, and helps satisfy their instinctual need to hunt. Of course, play is also fun. Cats can often make even the most ordinary objects into toys, and they thrive on the interaction of play- ing and bonding with you. When shopping for cat toys, or giving them household objects to try, avoid ribbons, feath- ers, strings, or any small decorations that he or she could bite off and swallow. Catnip is incorporated into many safe cat toys. Balls too big to swallow and fishing rod type toys are also fun for both of you. Try to supervise pets when they play with their new toys to ensure their safety. Remember that cold weather poses challenges for pets. Animals need a place to stay warm and dry. Keep cats indoors as much as possible. If cats need to go out during (continued on page 15)