Our staff always try to remind everyone that during this magical time of year we need to think more about our furry family members to ensure they enjoy the holiday too. Living in North Jersey our pets interact with many new decorations and conditions. Before you start your holiday prep we put this list together with help from this article from dogtime.com on some things to think about when you are decorating your house.

1. Securing your Christmas Tree Cats and dogs are curious by nature, and they may want to investigate what a tree is doing in their house.. They could easily jump on or into your tree causing cuts or even worse having the tree fall and trap them. Hook your tree to the wall or ceiling, and make sure the base is stable.

2. Protect your pets from drinking the Christmas tree water The water used to keep your tree fresh could have toxins in it given off by the tree. If your pet ingests this water it could make them very sick at the least. If you think your dog is going to try and sneak a drink you might want to consider an artificial tree

3. Christmas lights attract attention We love looking at Christmas lights and so does your pet. If your lights become a holiday snack pets can run the risk of electrocution, internal injuries or intestinal blockage.

4. Ornaments look like new toys Ornaments are usually fragile and have many small pieces that could pose choking hazards. Pets see your ornaments as a new toy. Chewing on ornaments can cause cuts in the mouth and throat.

5. Garland and tinsel will raise your pets curiostity Decorations with shiny and colorful garland and tinsel are breathtaking. Pets love playing with them too, and can quickly become caught up in them. When eaten these decorations cause blockages that can result in serious harm.

6. Holiday plants can make your pets sick Popular plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia can be poisonous if eaten. Avoid putting these plants in rooms that cannot be blocked off

7. Pets can smell through Gifts and Candy bags. Kids aren’t the only ones who want to open up gifts early. Pets love the smell of candy and chocolate, but we know pets and sweets don’t mix. Keep these items out of reach of your pets at all times

8. Stockings hung with care Stockings can be a new ladder for your pet to play with. If a pet gets a hold not only can the stocking fall on them, but can pull down a shelf as well. When you hang stocking pay consider if your pet can jump and reach and pull down.

9. Candle fires rise during the month of December Candles do a great job of changing the mood of your gathering. Remember though to not leave lit candles unattended when your pets are around. It only takes a moment for a pet to knock over a candle.

10. Ice melt and pets don’t mix Our Jersey City pets walk past many different buildings and each uses a different ice melt. While most ice melts are typically pet-safe your pet may get exposed if they lick their feet or eat snow. Don’t let your pets eat any and wipe their feet.

With these steps taken the holidays are a great time for owners to bond with their pets. If a situation does arise where your pet does need medical care due to the dangers, please call us at 201-839-6939 or schedule an appointment with our team at Veterinaire Pet Care for immediate attention.

Stop by and meet our team at Veterinaire Pet Care. We are here to answer all of your pet-related questions. Whether your question is simple or complex, we are here to provide expert guidance on your issue. We understand your pet is a beloved member of your family and that is why we proudly offer the highest levels of care along with the very latest in medical advances. Our testimonials speak for themselves! Contact us today if you have any questions or if you would like to book an appointment.