County of Orange
Health Care Agency

Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN
Director

Mike Spurgeon
Deputy Agency Director
Regulatory Health Services

Dr. Julie Ann Ryan Johnson, DVM
Director
Animal Care Services

Mailing Address:
561 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868

E-Mail: publicinfo@ochca.com

For Immediate Release
December 4, 2001

Contact: KATHY FRANCIS
 (714) 935-6301

 
Holiday Pet Safety Tips

(Orange) - The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and loved ones, but it can also be a stressful and dangerous time for your family pet. With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, Orange County Animal Care Services (ACS) offers the following tips to help keep your pet safe during this joyous season. Following these safety tips can help prevent an unnecessary medical emergency for your pet.

• Hang breakable decorations and tinsel well out of paw's reach. Tinsel, ribbon and ornaments are especially dangerous to pets if chewed and swallowed.
• Place holiday plants out of pet's reach. Some seasonal plants can be poisonous including mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettias.
• Make sure strands of lights, loose wires and extension cords are out of reach. Pets, especially puppies, often try to chew them and may get burned, shocked or electrocuted.
• Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Use ribbon or yarn instead of hooks to hang ornaments.
• A Christmas tree should stand on a flat, wide base. Anchoring the tree with a fishing line tied to a drapery or ceiling rod or wall hook can prevent the tree from falling over on your pet.
• Cats often see a Christmas tree as an excellent climbing post. Needles from both artificial and live trees are indigestible.
• Chocolate is especially harmful to pets. Some ingredients in chocolate are toxins and can be fatal to animals.
• If you are going away for the holidays, make sure that pet enclosures are secure and that your pets are wearing proper identification. Remember to make advance plans for their care during your absence.

While your pet is safe in a loving home, remember those less fortunate animals. Nationwide, millions of pets will be homeless this holiday season. Orange County animal shelters appreciate toys, treats and any love and attention you can provide. Please visit your local shelter today and bring your holiday cheer to some well-deserved animals. For more information about the Orange County Animal Care Center or for a listing of more holiday safety tips, visit the ACS Web site at www.ocpetinfo.com.