Parenting Pointers: Pet Safety

It's that time of year again...Thanksgiving to New Year's is a mad dash in most households. It's disruptive for already overly-busy people, so imagine how disruptive it is to pets. They don't care what holiday you are observing; they just want their peace and quiet back. Well, you can't cancel the festivities because Muffin isn't happy. Your relatives already think you're crazy because you have five cats, three dogs, and a lizard. Muffin's feelings don't matter to Uncle Ted when there's a Turducken on the line.

Here are a few quick tips to keep your pets safe and less stressed over the holidays:

Create a "Safe Area" If it is just too much commotion for your pet during festivities, then designate an area in the house as a place for your pet to camp out. An extra bedroom will work. Put some favorite toys, bedding, food, water, and if necessary, a litter box in the vicinity. Brief the Guests If there will be a lot of people coming and going, make it clear that the dog/cat aren't allowed to dash out the door. No one wants to be crawling through the neighbors' bushes at midnight looking for a lost pet.

Make Rules You are not a terrible person for telling cousin Julie that it is not cool for her toddler to pull the cat's tail.

Do Not Feed the Animals No matter how much they beg. Everyone thinks it is cute that the dog ate the candied yams until he vomits, or worse all over the carpet during dessert.

Decorate Wisely Put candles up high in safe locations, so they can't be knocked over by a wagging tail or curious cat.

If you use fresh greens, such as garland, make sure the plants and shrubs used are non-toxic. Don't use real mistletoe!!!  If you celebrate Christmas and decorate a real tree, do not put any additives in the tree water. Cats and dogs love to drink the tree water. Make sure the tree is secure and can't topple easily. Cats love to hide in the tree. It's so much fun! Everyone knows cats and dogs love to knock the decorations off the tree. Again, it's highly entertaining! Sometimes they eat the decorations. We've all seen tinsel-butt. Not pretty, as well as dangerous.

With a little planning, you can make the holiday season less stressful for your pets. At least someone won't be stressed. Happy holidays! For a free, handy checklist to help keep your pet safe and sane go to: mookittyfindsahome.com/fun.

Valerie Lee Veltre is a three-time National Award Winning author of Moo Kitty Finds a Home. Check it out at www.MooKittyFindsAHome.com. Download a free coloring page here. You can color and post it on the refrigerator or on Moo Kitty's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/MooKittyFindsAHome.