By Sarah Hoggan, from the December 2000 Newsletter

Christmas is about giving and sharing joy. Unfortunately, the holidays can also mean problems for your pets.

Decorative items are a common toxic and physical hazard. Tinsel looks beautiful on a tree. To some cats, it looks good enough to eat. This is a mistake that can be deadly. Tinsel gets trapped in their intestines and acts like a saw. To prevent this, keep tinsel on the higher levels of your tree out of your cat's reach. Or don't use tinsel at all.

Poinsettia, holly, and mistletoe are festive plants that are all poisonous to pets. Again, the key to preventing a problem is to keep the plants out of your pet's reach. The usual signs associated with a poinsettia, holly, or mistletoe poisoning are throwing up, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has eaten one of these holiday plants contact your veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate isn't a dog treat! You may think you are giving your pet a delicious holiday present but it's really a poison. Chocolate contains a drug called theobromine. It's a stimulant that, at best, causes vomiting and diarrhea, and at worst, seizures and death. No matter how much your dog begs, don't give it chocolate. A dog biscuit is much better holiday treat!

Yeasty bread dough is an unusual "poison". While the bread dough itself isn't bad, the yeast it contains can ferment in your dog's stomach and form alcohol; the same kind of alcohol that's intoxicating to humans. An intoxicated dog may seem humorous, but alcohol is a poison that can be deadly.

Winter weather is a hazard in itself. Even though animals have a fur coat they're not impervious to the cold. Very young, old, or thin animals are especially sensitive to cold weather. Provide some sort of shelter for your pet that keeps them out of the wind and wet weather. Also, frozen water is worthless to your pet. They can't drink ice and they need water even when it's cold out. Many pet stores offer heated water bowls to guard against freezing.

Finally, when the roads are icy, cars can't stop even if they see your pet. Keep your animals safe in your house or yard instead of letting them roam. Or if you take them for a walk, be sure they are on a secure leash where you have control of them.

A final holiday tip is this reminder: pets aren't good gifts. Dogs and cats are a commitment that requires responsibility and time. If you want to give a pet to someone, offer to take them to a local shelter and pay for a pet they pick out. That way you know it will be a perfect fit and best of all, the gift won't be returned.

Sarah Hoggan reports that her newborn, Tucker, is a very happy, easy-going baby and that she loves being a Mom

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