The Holiday Season Approaches, Heed These Pet Tips From the American Humane Association
DENVER, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Gone are the green days of summer, replaced by the changing leaves of autumn — a reminder that it’s the perfect time to refresh your pet IQ before any holiday-related dangers come to haunt you! Most savvy pet owners know the usual pet-safety tips about poisonous items in the home, like poinsettias and chocolate. But, as many veterinarians can tell you, that is just the beginning.

Many holidays are celebrated between the months of October and January, meaning that extra food, guests and dangers for pets are right around the corner. Keep these tips from the American Humane Association in mind as you prepare your holiday festivities.

Ringing Doorbell = Nervous Breakdown?
Many pets are agitated by the sound of doorbells, especially since their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. If your dogs bark, run and jump when new people arrive at the house, or if your cat runs for cover, consider disengaging the doorbell and putting a sign on the door to ask guests to “knock please.” Provide an open cage large enough for your animal to stand and fully turn around in, and place it in a quiet room away from the hubbub so your pet can choose when to join your party. This will also help keep your pet from running away during the frequent opening and closing of your door if you keep the cage closed.
“No” to the Five-Second Rule
Sometimes we forget what can fall on the floor when we are cooking for a holiday crowd and there’s a pet around. Some of it may be OK, but other things, like bread dough, can cause problems. When an animal ingests dough, its body heat causes the dough to rise in its stomach, leading to bloat or worse. It’s best to let your pet snack on familiar favorites instead of unfamiliar holiday goodies like candy and other people’s food.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Cats and other animals may seek out your car engine for warmth during the winter months, so honk the horn or bang on the hood a few times before starting the engine.
Adjust Your Pet’s Diet
Most pets spend more time indoors during the winter, which means their activity level drops and they need less food. However, if your pet does spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, he will need more food as he burns calories to keep warm. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the proper diet for your pet.
Ice, Snow and Salt
Your pet may like taking a stroll outside when the temperature dips, but many people use powerful salts on their sidewalks to combat the ice. Clean your pet’s paws after your outing to prevent its pads from becoming irritated and dried out.
Don’t Forget Your Feathered Friends
Getting ready for holiday gatherings usually means extra cleaning before guests arrive. Fumes from rug shampoo, furniture polish and oven cleaner can be fatal to a bird if they enter its delicate respiratory system. When using these products, keep them away from birds, and open your windows to let the air flow.
Just Because It’s Cold Doesn’t Mean They Can’t Catch a Bug
Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a year-round problem. Remember to keep your pets on their regular heartworm, flea and tick preventive medicines, even during the winter.
In Addition to Poinsettias …
Holly, amaryllis, mistletoe and pine needles can be harmful to your pet’s stomach. Go for the fake versions to keep your traditions, and your pet, alive.
If They Like Toilet Water, They’ll Probably Like Tree Water
Both cats and dogs may find Christmas-tree water irresistible, so if you add a tree preservative to the water, make sure it is pet friendly. Better yet, use a tree stand designed to prevent pets from accessing the water, which can harbor bacteria.
More Temptation Lies in the Tree
With its glittering lights and natural climbing area, the Christmas tree may offer a new place for your cat to play. Hang your most valuable or breakable ornaments near the top and cat-friendly ornaments on the bottom.
The American Humane Association wishes season’s greetings and a safe holiday season to all pets and their families. For more information on keeping pets happy and safe during the holidays, go to www.americanhumane.org/petholidays . Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane . The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane(R) Certified farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance , has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
SOURCE American Humane Association

Feature: Protect Your Dog From Those Cold Winter Months: 9 Tips
That Can Help.

Cold, frigid weather presents the same problems for pets as it does
for some humans. If your dog is uncomfortable in the cold, expect
him to shiver or hold up his paws as he walks. Left outside for
extended periods of time, your dog can experience frostbite or
hypothermia.

Look for discoloring of the skin, especially on the ear tips and
other extremities. If you find any signs, contact your veterinarian.
Salt or other ice-melting chemicals as well as antifreeze can be
extremely hazardous and life-threatening for the dog that ingests
them. Road salt also can cause sores if it becomes lodged between
your dog’s footpads.

Dogs at risk from the cold and winter-related hazards, whether they
live indoors or out, need special care.

Here are a few tips:

1. Place a flannel sheet over your dog’s bed for extra warmth.

2. To keep warm, your dog may like to sleep on floor heating vents
that can catch the identification tags attached to his collar. If
your dog likes to snooze over a floor vent, put his tags in a Pet
Pocket, which attaches to his collar.

3. In cold weather, your dog will need more energy to fight the cold
in the form of extra calories, so don’t be afraid to offer him
additional food in the winter.

4. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when he comes in from the
outside to prevent salt and other chemicals from sticking to his feet.

5. Keep antifreeze out of your dog’s reach, and be sure to clean up
any that may have spilled in the garage or driveway.

6. If your dog is accustomed to living the good life indoors, don’t
allow him to stay outside for extended periods of time in cold weather.

7. Make sure your dog has a warm, draft-free place to sleep. Since
warm air rises, offering him a bed off the floor will add extra
warmth and comfort for winter dreaming.

8. Don’t allow your dog to be off leash in a snowstorm or ice storm.
If he gets lost, he will not be able to use his sense of smell to
find his way home.

9. If your dog is short-haired, elderly, or sensitive to the cold,
even for short walks, consider purchasing a sweater for him to wear
in cold weather.
These are great tips from Adam Katz. You probably won’t need these if you live here in SoCal unless you travel to some place like Big Bear, but it’s good to know if you’re traveling with your dog to colder parts of the country.

The holiday season is often the most joyous time of the year. However, joy can turn to tragedy if simple precautions are not taken to ensure the safety of your pets. Pet sitter, Debbie Floyd, offers advise that could, potentialy prevent a tragedy.

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Offering pet sitting, dog walking, & overnight pet sitting among other services for your pets. Bonded and insured pet sitters available in Huntington Beach, Ca and surrounding cities. Members of the BBB, HB Chamber of commerce & Pet Sitters International.