Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Holidays

PRESS RELEASE- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:   December 14, 2010

Contact:  Evelina Villa, (562) 256-1364

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control

 

TIPS FOR KEEPING PETS SAFE

THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON-

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL’S

HOLIDAY HOURS

 

            The holiday season, a joy-filled time for many people, can pose some risks for pets.  The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) recommend the following tips to help keep your pets safe during the holidays:

·         Never feed or allow your pets to eat chocolate or other holiday candies. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats and can cause death. If you witness or suspect your pet of eating chocolate, transport him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

·         Shiny ornaments on Christmas trees can be particularly attractive to curious pets.  Dogs and cats can suffer serious injuries by chewing and swallowing pieces of tree ornaments.

·         Many people add special liquid preservatives to the water in Christmas tree stands. Some of these products are harmful to pets that may drink from the water. Be sure to ask if your Christmas tree is “pet safe,” before you buy it.

·         Keep holiday season plants and flowers away from your pets.  Many plants, such as Poinsettias, Christmas candles, English Holly, Christmas Berry, Christmas Rose, and Mistletoe are poisonous to cats and dogs.

·         Gift-wrappings can pose risks to dogs and cats. Your pets may be tempted to chew on wrapping paper or ribbon, which can be harmful if swallowed.

·         Electrical wiring is tempting for cats to play with and dogs to chew. Your pet can suffer a severe shock or even be electrocuted by coming into contact with the electrical current in the line.  Make sure your pets cannot or climb onto areas that put wiring within their reach.

·         Turkey is a particular favorite during the holiday season, but the bones easily splinter and should not be given to pets. Bone splinters can puncture an animal’s gastro-intestinal tract, causing internal injury, which could result in death.

·         Keep your pets away from alcoholic beverages.  Do not let anyone offer a “sample” of your favorite libation to a pet.

 

            In addition to ensuring your pet’s safety, DACC would also like to advise the public of its holiday hours for the remainder of 2010:

 

·         Christmas Eve - Friday, December 24, 2010: All DACC locations will be open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

 

·         Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25, 2010: All DACC locations will be closed in observance of the holiday.

 

·         New Year’s Eve - Friday, December 31, 2010: All DACC locations will be open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

 

·         New Year’s Day - Saturday, January 1, 2011: All DACC locations will be closed in observance of the holiday.

 

            DACC wishes you a happy holiday season!  For more information, visit our website http://animalcare.lacounty.gov or stop by your local animal shelter.