I am a professional Pet Sitter and have been involved in the animal care field for over twenty years. My scope of experience includes employment as a zoo keeper, Alachua County Animal Services Officer and as a veterinary technician with an Associate of Science degree in Animal Science.

HOLIDAY PET SAFETY

FOR CATS

• Do not use tinsel on your tree tinsel is not a cat toy-cats are prone to ingest it

• Do not leave chocolate and candy out where cats may get it-It is toxic to them

• Do not allow cats around the tree-there is too much danger of them knocking bulbs off,  becoming entangled in lights, being burned by lights or even knocking the tree itself over.
• Do not use string type garlands- your cat is prone to being entangled in them

• Poinsettias are toxic to cats do not allow your cats access to them
• When lighting the Menorah make sure it is out of your cat's reach

• Do buy your cat appropriate cat toys designed for cats and to avoid toxic contaminants look for toys made in the U.S.A.

FOR DOGS

• Do not allow dogs to drink the tree water

• Make sure toys are large enough that your dog can not ingest them.

• Buy your dog toys that are designed for their size and to avoid toxic contaminants look for dog toys made in the U.S.A.

• Do not allow dogs around the tree-they are too prone to knocking bulbs off, becoming entangled in lights,being burned by lights or even knocking the tree itself over

• Do not leave edible gifts around the tree-Too much temptation for pooches

• Do not use popcorn garland on tree-See above
• Do not use string type garlands- your dog is prone to being entangled in them

• Do not allow dogs to have candy or chocolate- It's toxic to them

• Poinsettias are toxic to dogs do not allow your dogs access to them
• When lighting the Menorah make sure it is out of your dog's reach 

• Birds

• Birds respiratory systems are very sensitive to anything in the air. Smoke can be DEADLY to them especially fumes from non-stick cookware. To be safe do not cook while your bird is in the area.
• birds may also be burned by hot burners and pans

• Spend time with your pet/family member daily and you will be rewarded ten fold!

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I encourage you to post comments that are relevant to the discussion, but please, only leave relevant comments.

Please don't buy a family member. ADOPT! Prefer a particular breed? Contact a purebreed rescue group. like these The American Kennel Club http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm
The Bulldog club of America http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/
The American German Shepherd Rescue Association http://www.agsra.com/ or contact me at http://bobspetsitting.com/ and I will be happy to help you.
I wish you and your dog many happy years together. Contact me I will be happy to help you.