The holiday season is fast approaching and while it is a time of celebration with friends and family, including our furry friends, cold weather, decorations and parties can create safety hazards for your pets.  Here are some simple tips that will ensure that your holidays stay festive and your pets stay safe.

Cold weather hazards:

De-icing products, salt and ice can get into your pets fur/hair and paws causing skin irritations and possible more serious conditions.  Thoroughly wipe your pet’s paws and tummy when he comes in from the cold.

Not everyone thinks that a pet needs to be dressed up in clothes. However, in the cold of winter, our pets don’t always have enough insulation from the cold.  Cover the pads of the paws with booties or socks.  Provide them with a sweater or jacket when it’s cold and/or rainy.  Dry them off when you bring them in from the weather.  A good belly rub always feels good anyway.

Holiday decorations:

Ingestion of glass,metal, ribbons or tinsel can lead to serious medical emergencies.  Snow globes and artificial snow contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.  Ivy, holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies and holiday greens can be toxic if ingested. Keep your pets away from that Christmas tree water as well.

Party time:

Everyone loves a party but sometimes the hustle and bustle can frighten your little guys and cause them to take off as soon as that door opens for your guests.  Designate a quiet, secure “pet room” away from the crowd and be sure that your pet is microchipped or wearing a collar with current ID tags.

No table scraps:

Resist the urge to give your pets scraps from the table. Fatty holiday meats can cause a number of gastrintestinal problems while bones can cause bowel obstructions or choking.  Most important – No chocolate.  The sweet stuff contains a chemical that is highly toxic to pets.

Great News!!  Sky Mountain Mi-Kis took home quite a few Best in Show Ribblons at The Mi-Ki Breeders USA 9th Annual Invitational Specialty Show held in Orlando, FL, May 14 and 15, 2011 at the Marriott Residence Inn Sea World. Dogwood Hills Sir Tobias won Best in Show in Adult Class in all four of the events.  Paddington’s Lady Sophia won Best in Show Puppy Class.  Little Prince Albert of Dogwood Hills did well too. While not winning Best in Show he did come in First Place in the Puppy Class.