How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays!
by P.K. Odle, The Feng Shui Advantage
Your pets help stir the Qi in your home, which is necessary especially when you have a large house with only a few people. However, it’s important that they don’t create a sha or negative affect… such as unpleasant pet odors or unsightly messes. Remember, part of the foundation of good Feng Shui is keeping the whole environment clean and neat, both inside and outside.
Feng Shui’s main focus is good health and harmonious relationships, which money can’t buy. For many of us… some of the most important relationships in our lives are with our beloved pet, which means their health and safety are as important to us as our own.
We all want the holidays to be a joyous time for the entire family… pets included. Emergency vet visits can be avoided, if you keep your pets safety in mind while celebrating. Some of the food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun can be dangerous to your pet.
Here are a few facts and tips to help you avoid potential hazards.
Poisonous Plants –
Many of the plants that are used as holiday decorations can be poisonous to your pets. These include mistletoe, poinsettia, cyclamen, amaryllis, holly and azaleas.
Christmas Trees –
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Place your Christmas tree in a secure stable stand to prevent it from being knocked over.
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Tree needles can be toxic and cause stomach irritation. Be sure your pet isn’t chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.
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Tinsel can cause dangerous intestinal problems.
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Electric shocks from chewing electric cords or strings of lights can be serious. To stop chewing spray cords with “Bitter Apple” or use pet proof extension cords that shut-off automatically if damaged.
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Place ornaments that could be swallowed or broken higher up on the tree.
- Decorating trees with food is just asking for problems. Candy canes and popcorn can be enticing to your pet.
Decorations and Wrappings –
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Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to your pets.
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Ribbons and string can cause intestinal obstructions that could require surgery or be fatal. Ribbons around your pet’s neck may look cute, but can also be dangerous.
- Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to pets.
Other Chemicals –
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Cleaning products get a lot of use as you spiff-up your home for visitors, remember many of these products can be toxic.
- Antifreeze is attractive, yet deadly to pets. Use extreme caution if you visit or have visitors and use a garage to contain your pets. To prevent a tragedy, choose one of the newer types of antifreeze that is labeled non-toxic to animals.
Food Related Items –
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Chocolate can cause severe stomach upsets. If a dog eats enough chocolate, seizures and death may occur.
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Fats, gravies, poultry skin and rich foods can cause pancreatitis, resulting in pain, vomiting and dehydration.
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No matter how tempting… never feed your pet bones of any kind. Smaller bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach and intestinal tract.
- Garbage contains all kinds of hazards besides bones, pieces of ribbon or tinsel… such as plastic 6-pack beverage holders, wrap and bags. Keep garbage in an animal-proof container and away from pets.
Holiday Visitors –
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Some pets love visitors, and behave very well. Yet, others may be fearful, aggressive, or over-exuberant. Plan ahead for how your pet will react to visitors. A quiet room, with water and food available, will help fearful pets to be more comfortable.
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For dogs who may not behave or could be aggressive, placing them in a separate room, using pet gates, having them stay at a friend’s house, or boarding them for the evening would be safe alternatives.
- Brushing up on obedience training before the holidays may help a dog and owner/care-giver who may have become a little rusty on commands.
New Pets –
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When considering a pet as a gift… make sure the person wants one. It is far better to give a gift certificate so the person can choose their own pet after the holidays.
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If you’re thinking of getting yourself a new pet, remember that pets need routine and time to bond with you. With all the noise, commotion and special hazards... the holidays are anything but routine. Perhaps it would be better for you and your new pet to wait until after the holidays.
- Why not make the holidays more enjoyable for homeless pets by donating food, toys, money or time to your local animal shelter or rescue group?
With all your holiday festivities, remember to relax and spend some quality time with your pet. They’ll think that’s the best gift of all!
© 2005 P.K. Odle. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
P.K. Odle is a celebrated classical Yi Jing Feng Shui consultant and the Executive Director of the world-renowned American Feng Shui Institute®, where she has taught since 1998. She created The Feng Shui Advantage's "Lifetime Keys Personal Directions Self-Mastery Toolbox." To learn more about using the ancient Chinese science of Yi Jing Feng Shui to improve your Health, Relationships and Finances... through 16 weeks of FREE TIPS subscribe to her award-winning eNewsletter, The Feng Shui Advantage MONTHLY, at http://www.FengShuiAdvantage.com. The next issue could change your life!
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