BROWARD COUNTY, FL - With Holiday festivities well under way, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division offers these important holiday pet safety tips, as well as some shopping ideas for the four-legged family member on your list! 

Top 10 Holiday Pet Safety Tips

1. Chocolate candy and chocolate/cocoa products! We can't stress this enough! Chocolate is toxic and with the growing popularity of higher cocoa content in chocolate products, it doesn’t take much of it to get your pet sick. In addition, the pretty foil/paper wrapping can cause a number of digestive problems in an adventurous pet. Therefore, store chocolate away in a secure cabinet. In particular, do not place chocolate/cocoa gifts underneath the tree. Remember the holiday wrapping and bow won’t deter him since your pet’s sense of smell is very keen!  And keep in mind, other foods can be toxic to your pets, like grapes, onions, raisins, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol.
   
   
2. Christmas tree preservatives. These products usually have small amounts of fertilizer in them, so they can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you have a live tree, be sure to secure it to the wall so it doesn’t tip over. In addition, place screening over the tree base so your dog or cat cannot drink the liquid.
   
   
3. Poinsettias/Christmas Cactus/Holly. All of these traditional holiday plants can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large branches and leaves from the plants can also become stuck in the intestinal tract of your pet. Place all foliage on high shelves or areas away from your dog or cat.         
   
   
4. Alcohol. Keep the egg nog, brandy, wine, beer, and other “spirits” out of the reach of thirsty pets. Remember that while a bottle of alcohol may be sealed and closed, the punch bowl on the buffet table looks like one very super cool and accessible “water bowl” to your dog or cat!
   
   
5. Medications. It’s cold and flu season and all of that cold medication often gets left within reach and unsupervised on night stands and bathroom counters. In addition, family and friends who may be staying at your home may leave prescription meds in their guest room or bathroom where curious pets may decide to roam. Please keep ALL medications locked up and remind your family and friends to secure any meds they may have traveled with, out of the reach of your pets.
   
   
6. Electrical cords. Keep them hidden, or route them through PVC pipe to ensure your pet doesn’t play with or chew them.
   
   
7. Decorations. Hang breakable ornaments and other tempting decorations well out of a paw's reach. Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments are especially dangerous to pets if they chew or swallow them.
   
   
8. Secure the garbage pail! Table scraps, food wrappings, bones and other items are just too tempting. Even simple items like aluminum foil and the string from the holiday roast can be harmful if consumed. Be sure that all trash containers--both inside the house and outside--are securely closed so that animals cannot tear through the garbage for a private holiday feast.
   
   
9. Keep your pet in another room during dinner/party time. This way, they can't sit and beg or rummage through the buffet table.
   
   
10. Most importantly, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. Pets can easily escape through the front or back doors when guests come into your home. Remember that all dogs and cats (even “indoor cats”) within Broward County must be registered and wear the Broward County Rabies Registration tag on their collar. This is the best way to ensure that your pet is reunited with you if he or she becomes lost during this holiday season.

Pet Shopping List

As you prepare your holiday shopping list and check it twice, don't forget a gift for your pet. Whether Fluffy and Spot have been "naughty or nice," consumers increasingly include shopping for their dog or cat along with children and other family members.


• Gifts for Dogs:
  
  For Active Pooches:
       • Very hard rubber toys, such as Nylabones® and Kongs®. Choose the size that "fits"         your dog.
       • Sturdy "rope" toys, preferably with knotted ends.
       • Tennis balls make great dog toys. Make sure they are size-appropriate and strong.
  
  For Hours of Fun:
  
       • Kong® toys that can be stuffed with treats, peanut butter or cheese
       • Round or block-sized toys stuffed with treats
  
  For the Calm/Low-Key Type:
  
      • Sturdy, well-made stuffed bears, ducks, bones, etc. Great for dogs who like to carry         things around.
         
• Gift for Cats:
  
      • "Fishing rod" with dangling feathers
      • Catnip-filled mouse
      • Balls or other toys that roll
      • Any toy that moves or jumps