• Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that will upset our pets' stomachs which can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  
  
• Electric cords are used in abundance during the holiday. Cover up or hide the extensions and electrical cords.
  
  
• Ribbons and tinsel can become lodged in our pets intestines and cause obstruction, especially common with kittens.
  
  
• Batteries contain corrosives and if ingested can cause ulceration of the mouth, tongue and gastrointestinal tract.
  
  
• Glass ornaments can cause internal lacerations if swallowed.
  
  
• Poinsettia plants, when swallowed, cause irritation to the mouth and stomach causing nausea or vomiting.
  
  
• Mistletoe typically causes vomiting or upset stomach but has the potential to cause cardiac disturbances if swallowed.
  
  
• Holly ingestion will cause lethargy with vomiting and diarrhea.
  
  
• Chocolate and candy dishes are frequent gifts wrapped and put under the tree. Try to keep all candy and cooking products supervised.
  
  
• Liquid potpourri is very popular during the holidays. Pets often will ingest the mixture or rub against a leaky potpourri bottle or pot. Spills can cause severe oral, dermal or eye damage.
  
  
• Ice melting products can be an irritant to our pet's skin and mouths. Drooling, depression and vomiting can occur. Restrict access to areas where these products are used.
  
  
• Antifreeze has a pleasant taste, but very small amounts can be lethal. Less than 1 teaspoon can be deadly for a cat, less than 4 teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10 pound dog. Prestone's Low Tox antifreeze/coolant contains propylene glycol which is a safer ingredient, and is recommended to households with pets.

During the holidays, our pets can be overwhelmed and frazzled with the increase of activities, visitors, parties, and houseguests. Owners should take precautions and prevent their pet from going into "survival mode." Hiding or running out of a door to escape the stress is a primary instinct in our dogs and cats. This month we are encouraging and offering a MICROCHIP SPECIAL for your companions. The Home Again Recovery Network successfully recovers a lost pet approximately every 7 minutes. It is a coast-to-coast recovery system with a call center that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please talk to our friendly staff about this reliable identification for your dogs and cats.

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