Make Sure Your Christmas Tree is Cat Proof

Are your holiday decorations cat-proof?  Sparkling decorations can attract your pets attention.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your Christmas tree in tact through the holidays.

Christmas Tree Tips:

• Create a Cat Tree - Make your cat a tree of his or her own!  Make sure that it's is secured down with twine to prevent it from toppling.  Use cat-friendly decorations like catnip mice, kitty treats or soft cat toys.
• Avoid Fertilizer - If you have a live tree, don't add fertilizer or preservatives to the water at your tree base.  If your pet drinks this water, they could get sick!
• Add Citrus Scents - Scents like orange or lemon are off-putting to cats.  Vicks menthol is also a good repellent that will keep your pet away from the tree.
• Use Double-Sided Tape - Certain cat training products like Sticky Paws are available in large sheets and strips.  You can apply this tape to your carpet beneath the tree to keep your pet out of danger.

Check out this article for more tips on how to keep your pets safe through the holidays.  As always, if you have any questions about how to care for your pets, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

Visit our blog again for more pet care tips!

Giving A Pet As A Gift

Thinking of giving a pet as a gift this holiday season?  While pets can be rewarding, you also want to make sure the recipient is prepared!  Before jumping to a decision, there are a few things you should consider.

Things to Consider:

• Picking the Right Species - Depending on where the recipient of the gift lives, their physical limitations, and whether or not they own other pets plays a role in what type of pet is best for them.
• Don't Make It a Surprise - Pets are a great addition to your family.  However, not everyone is ready to commit to the amount of time, energy and money pets require.  While a surprise is more festive, you need to make sure the recipient is ready.
• Let the Receiver Choose - Let your gift recipient choose their pet.  Picking what pet they want can be just as rewarding as finding a surprise under the tree.  This makes for an exciting gift and some anticipation!

Check out this article for more tips and things to consider before giving a pet as a gift this holiday season.  If you are thinking of giving a pet, bring him or her into our office for a checkup!  We can help make sure that your new pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Holiday Pet Safety Tips from

The holiday season is here!  Are you ready to spend quality time with your family, friends, and pets?  Here are a few ways to help keep your pets safe through the holiday season!

Five Holiday Safety Tips:

1. Secure Your Christmas Tree

Whether your tree is real or fake, make sure that it is secure.  You don't want your tree to fall and injure your pet! 

2. Avoid Using Fertilizer

If you purchase a real tree this year, don't use fertilizer in your tree's water.  Your cat or dog can get an upset stomach if they accidentally drink it.

3. Keep an Eye on Burning Candles

Make sure that you keep holiday candles out of reach.  Place them high enough where your pet cannot accidentally knock them over.

4. Be Mindful of Holiday Plants

Poinsettias and mistletoe are festive decorations, but keep them out-of-reach of your pets.  These popular holiday plants are toxic to cats and dogs.

5. Don't Decorate with Tinsel

Sparkly tinsel and ribbons can be attractive to pets.  However, these colorful decorations can get stuck in your pet's digestive tract if they are ingested.  Be sure to keep them out of reach!

If you have any questions about how to celebrate a pet-friendly holiday season, contact our office!  

Have a safe and Happy Holiday season!