December 3, 2004

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Making the holidays pet friendly

By Maureen Strenfel
Special to the Times

Animal Behaviorist Maureen Strenfel and her dog Ms. Jitters.

Q: I just got a new dog and wonder if I should forgo our traditional holiday tree and trimmings. What exactly is safe to get?

A: First and foremost, do not ever leave your pet home alone with a real Christmas tree with breakable ornaments. Cats may want to climb the tree and dogs may be inspired to use it as a fire hydrant. We recommend an artificial tree.

- It’s best to use an artificial Christmas tree with soft needles. Real trees’ needles can lodge themselves in between your pet’s paw pads or get caught in your pet’s nostrils. Also, forget the artificial snow.

- With an artificial tree there’s no tree water, so your pet won’t drink it and become ill.

- Avoid using tinsel. It’s surprisingly sharp and can cut through your animal’s intestines if swallowed.

- Tape tree light cords to the wall and across the floor so dogs and cats don’t chew through them and get burned or electrocuted.

- Keep in mind that holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, English ivy and even Poinsettias are poisonous to pets.

- Ornaments can be fatal if swallowed.

- Candles can be hazardous. Flame or dripping wax can burn dogs or singe their whiskers or hair. And, they’re a fire hazard if your cat/dog knocks them over.

Safe Holiday Toys
- Get a large toy so your pet won’t be in danger of ingesting the toy.

- Rope, fabric and soft squeak toys are good choices. However, they should be used under supervision because if left alone, a dog can chew off bits of plastic or fabric and ingest it, leading to serious intestinal problems.

- For cats, fresh catnip, appropriate-size balls and kitty kongs are good choices.
Last but not least, keep in mind that the holidays can be a stressful time for pets and you’ll need extra patience with your pet while he’s getting used to his new surroundings.

- I recommend crate training or confining an animal to a room if you have lots of guests or a live tree/presents you’re worried about.

- Don’t let your guests feed your dog a lot of food from their plates, they could eat too much rich food and become ill.

- With guests coming and going, an unattended open door allows dogs out where they may be exposed to passing cars.

Animal Behaviorist Maureen Strenfel and her behavior management team offer training tips and manage a 24-hour e-mail and telephone animal behavior help line. For more information, go to http://www.hssv.org/behavior/behavior.htm.