December 15, 2006

Create a safe home for your pets during the holidays     The holidays are an exciting time for people but can be dangerous for pets. Animal Friends of the Valleys, the animal shelter for Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake, suggests these tips to help you create a safe “home for the holidays” for your pets.     • Keep chicken, turkey and pork bones out of animals’ reach. Bones can easily get stuck in and damage an animal’s digestive tract. Although your pet may love gravies, fats and poultry skin, they’ll upset its stomach.     • Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe – and their hybrids – are poisonous if eaten.     • Secure all extension cords to prevent pets from chewing on them and receiving serious shocks.     • Keep candles out of reach of curious paws and twitching tails. Never leave lit candles unattended with pets around.     • Keep the area under your tree free of pine needles. They puncture intestines when swallowed.     • Make sure your tree is solidly secured, even if you have to tie it down.     • Keep tree preservative inaccessible to pets. Its toxic.     • Keep breakable or sharp ornaments as well as foil, tinsel and garland out of pet’s reach.     • Provide a quiet, safe place for your animals to retreat to if they feel stressed during holiday gatherings.     • Make sure pets wear collars and tags at all times! During this bustling time, doors may get left open and you want to make sure that if your pet sneaks out, it will be “home for the holidays.”