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Safety Archives - Fath Properties Blog Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:38:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 Bullying https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/08/05/bullying/ https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/08/05/bullying/#respond Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/?p=134 Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child repeatedly taunts, teases, intimidates, or torments another child. These actions can be physical, verbal, or social. Bullying can occur at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the Internet, or through mobile devices like cell phones. Being bullied is a horrible experience for…

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Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child repeatedly taunts, teases, intimidates, or torments another child. These actions can be physical, verbal, or social. Bullying can occur at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the Internet, or through mobile devices like cell phones. Being bullied is a horrible experience for anyone, but it is especially difficult for a child.

With school back in session next week, we thought it might be helpful to bring this important topic front of mind.

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS BULLIED

There are several steps you can follow in the event your child is subjected to bullying.

  • Alert school officials and work with them toward a solution.
  • Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help, and to be comfortable doing so. Ask them to identify who they can ask for help.
  • Acknowledge your child's feelings about being bullied and recognize the serious nature of bullying.

Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:

  • Look the bully in the eye.
  • Always stand tall and stay calm despite the difficulty of the situation.
  • Walk away.
  • With your child, practice saying, in a firm voice:
    • "I don't like what you are doing."
    • "Please do NOT talk to me like that."

What you can do as a parent:

  • Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
  • Support outside activities that interest your child.
  • Find an adult who knows about the situation, and who can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
  • Monitor your child's social media or texting interactions so you can identify problems before they get out of hand.
  • Document everything.

When your child Is the bully

This is tough on any parent but cannot be ignored.

  • Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
  • Teach your child to be a buddy, not a bully.
  • Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior.
  • Ask your child how they would feel if the tables were turned, and they were subject to torment.
  • Teach empathy for other children by asking them to consider how the other child feels.
  • Be a positive role model. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening, or hurting someone.
  • Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
  • Praise your child when their actions are positive, such as helping or being kind to others.
  • Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, school social workers or psychologists, and parents of the children your child has bullied.

When your child is a bystander

Witnessing a bully torment a friend or classmate can be frightening for any child. Be sure you and your child talk about bullying so they understand that it may happen, and what to do if they witness it.

  • Practice with your child how to find and tell a trusted adult about what is happening or has happened. Knowing what to say in advance will be helpful when/if the need arises.
  • Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
  • Help your child support other children who have been or may be bullied. Making friends with these kids and including them in activities will make them feel less alone and know they have a friend they can count on.

For more information or assistance, please reach out to these resources:

Let’s work together to keep our kids safe!

 

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Keep Your Car Cool Under The Sweltering Summer Sun https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/07/22/keep-your-car-cool-under-the-sweltering-summer-sun/ https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/07/22/keep-your-car-cool-under-the-sweltering-summer-sun/#respond Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:25:00 +0000 https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/?p=111   This summer has been so hot. Are you getting tired of getting into a ridiculously hot car? Us, too. Did you realize that a car parked in the sun on a sweltering hot car becomes oppressive inside in mere minutes? That’s why, in our Summer Safety For Furry Friends blog post, we remind everyone…

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This summer has been so hot. Are you getting tired of getting into a ridiculously hot car? Us, too.

Did you realize that a car parked in the sun on a sweltering hot car becomes oppressive inside in mere minutes? That’s why, in our Summer Safety For Furry Friends blog post, we remind everyone that car temps can become lethally hot before you know it! That’s why experts advise us to never leave humans or animals unattended in a car.

HeatKills.org is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of leaving kids and pets in hot vehicles. Their graphic below illustrates how quickly a vehicle’s interior can heat up. YIKES.

To help you keep your cool, we’ve assembled some tips, tricks, and products to make it a little easier to get in your car on a sweltering day.

Park Smart

On an unbearably hot, cloudless day, find relief from the heat by finding some shade. Choosing a space in a parking garage, beneath trees, or in the shadow of a building can help keep your car cooler, making any extra steps worth the effort.

Be mindful, however, of the neighborhood, and avoid parking too far away from your destination if the area isn’t the safest, especially if you’re returning to your vehicle after dark.

Also, be aware that shaded areas may become sunny if your car remains in the same spot for a few hours during the day.

Windows – To Crack or Not to Crack

Many folks swear by the old practice of leaving a car’s side windows or sunroof open a crack to keep their vehicle’s interior temperature down. While this practice does let built-up heat escape and helps to facilitate some airflow through the car’s cabin, it’s only a modest amount.

Is a car interior that’s just a few degrees cooler worth the risk of leaving your car more vulnerable to theft or vandalism? A skillful car thief could get inside your car with the windows or sunroof open even just an inch. ABC News reports that for one thief “a car with a window cracked open was an unlocked car”.

If you opt to crack your windows, once again be mindful of the surrounding area. Park in visible areas close to other vehicles, ideally where there’s a decent amount of vehicle and foot traffic. Parking in view of a surveillance camera also doesn’t hurt.

Another thought on the “nay” side: a sudden rainstorm could make a mess of your car’s interior.

Shade Your ‘Shield

A windshield sunshade is an effective way to keep the temperature inside your car under control, even if you’re parked in the sun. Find the best sun shield here. While sunshade keeps a car’s temperature down by blocking the primary entry point for the sun, some drivers simply hate the look of them. But seriously? In a standoff between unattractive vs. unbearable, I’m team ugly. If you’re on team attractive, note that there are companies who offer hundreds of custom models that allow for a perfect fit and vehicle color match.

Go Under Cover

Car covers are an effective way to keep your vehicle out of the sun as they block the sunlight, much like a layer of clothing prevents you from getting sunburned. Interior temperature reduction is based on the thickness of the cover. A thin cover will reduce the sun's effect slightly, but a thicker (or reflective) cover will be very effective. The cover will protect the vehicle from bird droppings, tree sap, and other chemical fallout in both cases. As an added benefit, a car cover keeps your vehicle from the eyes of thieves. Make sure to choose an 'outdoor' cover engineered against UV rays and offers some water resistance ('indoor' covers will deteriorate quickly and soak up moisture).

Go Under Cover Inside

If a windshield sunshade is out of the question to cool your ride, you can cover the parts of your car’s interior that get the hottest. Options here include a dashboard cover, steering wheel cover, and covers for your seats.

There are plenty of car dashboard covers from which to choose. Like the windshield sun shades, look for a higher quality product that provides a good fit and effectively complements your car’s interior décor.

Your steering wheel and leather seats (especially darker-colored seats) are the other interior parts that absorb heat. Your hands will appreciate a cool wheel and bare legs will thank you — especially if you’re wearing a dress or shorts – if those seats are covered.

Use a light-colored fabric seat cover during the hottest months of the year, or simply place a towel on the seat. Covering the steering wheel with a towel is a practical, inexpensive way to keep it cool to the touch.

Get Shady

Sunshades for your car’s passenger windows can keep the interior of the car cool when you’re parked and help protect your passengers from sun rays while you’re on the road. 

Get Breezy

The last of our car cooling tips is to try a battery-powered or solar-powered ventilation fan.

A small electric fan can quickly cool down the interior of a hot car by encouraging airflow. The portable Amacool fan has three twisty arms that make it easy to secure to a headrest, and the fan’s head can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally to send a breeze in any direction. With three speed options and a rechargeable battery, this affordable, tiny fan is a versatile summertime essential that can make a hot day a little more bearable.

The solar-powered ventilation fan is fairly new on the market. They clip onto a cracked window and keep the air moving inside a parked car, relying on solar power. If the sun is already shining, make it work for you!

Using two fans set up on the side windows (front or rear) should increase the cross-ventilation airflow and decrease the temperature even more. Higher-powered, more effective models can be purchased that have a larger solar panel that sits on your dashboard and powers the fans.

The quality and reliability of this product seem to vary widely. Some online reviews dismiss cheaper models as too gimmicky and not very effective. Consumers who left reviews for other fan models praise them as ingenious and highly effective.

Lastly – and most importantly – make sure that you aren't leaving anything in your car that can't handle the rising heat – check your backseat for pets and kids!

Oh, and P.S.: Did you know that leaving a water bottle in the heat can be hazardous to your health? When exposed to heat, the chemical bonds in plastic can break and cause BPA and other chemicals to migrate into the water. Beyond that, hot cars provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, potentially contaminating the water in opened bottles and causing illness if consumed.

 

 

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Summer Safety for Furry Friends https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/07/10/summer-safety-for-furry-friends/ https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/07/10/summer-safety-for-furry-friends/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:38:00 +0000 https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/?p=104 Some areas of the USA are experiencing record-setting high temperatures this summer while others have more rain than they can handle. Me thinks Mother Nature is a wee bit perturbed with the way we treat Mother Earth. That is a story for another day. The news is loaded with ways to keep us humans safe…

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Some areas of the USA are experiencing record-setting high temperatures this summer while others have more rain than they can handle. Me thinks Mother Nature is a wee bit perturbed with the way we treat Mother Earth. That is a story for another day.

The news is loaded with ways to keep us humans safe during a heat wave, but what about our furry friends? We think of them in human terms as well, don’t we? Yes (emphatically), we do. But our fur babies can’t cool off by sweating like we do. What to do to keep our best friends safe this summer?

Car Rides

“Wanna go for a ride?” is like music to most pup’s ears. But summer rides can be deadly. Watch veterinarian Ernie Ward show how quickly temperatures rise in a parked car. YIKES. Never, ever, EVER leave a pup in a parked car. Not even for a minute! Not even with the car running and the air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

 Although Fido may be miffed at being left at home and may munch on your favorite kicks in retribution, do it. He’ll get over it, and you wanted to buy a new pair of shoes anyway. If you’re driving with your dog in the car, bring water and a portable water dish (or this nifty water/bowl combo) and take Gus with you when you leave the car.

Download the Humane Society’s PDF for more information.

Paws

You’ve heard the phrase, “It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk!” Yep, concrete sidewalks, asphalt, and metal can get blisteringly hot. Try to keep Moose off hot surfaces; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. And please don’t drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck. It does not make you look cool and the hot metal can burn paws quickly. Worse yet, your dog can fall out or be injured or killed in an accident. See? Not cool. Avoid walking pups in the heat of the day and walk them on the grass. If outdoor walking on hot surfaces can’t be helped, consider some stylin’ booties or paw wax to protect those sweet Fritos-scented feets.

Water and Shade

Bring a portable doggie dish and plenty of water available to avoid dehydration. Relax in the shade as much as possible or bring your own.

Pet Sunscreen

Even very furry dogs can also be prone to sunburn if their nose, ears, belly, and other sensitive areas aren’t covered with pet sunscreen. Hairless breeds must be protected when outdoors, as they are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Never use human-grade sunscreen on pets as it is toxic. Opt for sunscreen suitable for pets.

Protective Clothing

Putting Cookie Crumb in a shirt may seem counterintuitive (but adorable!) when it is hot outside. However, some doggie clothes can help keep Ollie cool and shaded. If Rascal has short fur, light-colored fur, or is hairless, you can opt for sunscreen clothing for pets. Dogs that are sensitive to the sun’s rays might enjoy doggles, or pet sunglasses.

Haircuts

Should you shave your dog’s fur or hair? WAIT! If you have a double-coated breed like a Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Aussie, Sheltie, Newfoundland, or Bernese Mountain Dog, the answer is NOPE. Read all about it here. For other breeds, read this before giving FiFi a new do.

Cookouts & Picnics

They will beg. They will plead. They will drool. So much. While dining al fresco is loads of fun, the food and drinks offered can be bad for dogs. Keep Lily and Poppy away from alcohol and foods like grapes, onions, chocolate, and other foods Taxi should not consume.

Fireworks

Many dogs are fearful of loud noises, especially fireworks. The dangers are obvious – pets are at risk for fatal injuries and painful burns if they are allowed to run around freely when fireworks are being used. Some fireworks also contain chemicals toxic to pets, like potassium nitrate and arsenic. And remember, their hearing is many times better than ours. Don’t believe me? Try whispering, “Chicken?” and see what happens.

Keep Chester indoors with the TV or music playing to lessen the disruption. Your vet can also recommend something that will calm your pup if he’s very, very afraid.

Indoor Fun

Those days when it’s just too dang hot to go anywhere, perhaps a game of the Invisible Food Challenge could be fun?

So while you are enjoying Hot Fun In The Summertime, keep Peanut Chillin’ In The Summertime.

Oh, and tell your dog we said hi!

Resources: Humane Society, Pet Health Network, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, ASPCA, 5 Points Animal Hospital, Pets WebMD

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Be Cool By The Pool https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/06/13/be-cool-by-the-pool/ https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2024/06/13/be-cool-by-the-pool/#respond Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:48:00 +0000 https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/?p=96   Summertime….and the livin’ is easy…especially if there’s a sparkling pool where you can chill on a hot day. But chillin’ only happens when everyone is mindful of their own behavior and kind to fellow chillers. So here are some guidelines on how to Be Cool By The Pool. Running, jumping, diving, pushing, roughhousing, and/or…

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Summertime….and the livin’ is easy…especially if there’s a sparkling pool where you can chill on a hot day. But chillin’ only happens when everyone is mindful of their own behavior and kind to fellow chillers. So here are some guidelines on how to Be Cool By The Pool.

Running, jumping, diving, pushing, roughhousing, and/or weapons are the epitome of uncool.

Activities that may send you – or someone else – to the ER are off limits.

Be cool about saved chairs.

Sorry, lounge chair monitors. Saving a seat around the pool is just fine – within reason. Respect that a chair with a towel is taken. But chair savers need to be respectful of others too. It’s not cool to save yourself a seat hours ahead of time, save an entire umbrella table for just yourself, or save half a dozen chairs. Only use the chair space you need for sitting; your stuff doesn’t need a seat. Looking for a great pool towel that’s beautiful, dries quickly and takes up very little space in your pool tote? Click here.

Shower before getting in the pool.

No one wants a layer of another person’s body grime floating around the pool. Rinse off in the shower before taking a dip, especially if you’ve been running or working outside all day. If you’re sick or have an open wound? You know what to do – stay out of the pool entirely.

Dress appropriately.

Yes, we all noticed you spent all winter working on your beach bod. But, no one wants to see your downstairs outline or extreme cleavage, especially when there are kids around. Be respectful, dress confidently but modestly, and keep the G-string and banana hammock for the beach. Save street wear for the street and wear swimwear to swim. Wear pool shoes or flip-flops everywhere in the pool area (except in the water) and in the restrooms.

If it’s breakable, leave it home.

Glass of any kind and other breakable items are strictly prohibited. Folks will be barefoot for heaven’s sake! Choose from one of a boatload of uber-cool, environmentally safe non-breakable drinking vessels and beverage carriers instead.

Keep your music to yourself, use your indoor voice, and watch your language.

It’s nice that you love your music and want to share with the world, but the world didn’t ask. Keep the tunes low enough so only you can hear, or wear ear buds. If someone asks you to turn down your music, do it. Some venues do not allow audible music, so check the rules and be sure to bring your headphones (check out waterproof headphones here) or waterproof earbuds.

Follow established pool rules.

All pools will post rules somewhere along the fence or on the gate doors stating what is permitted and prohibited at the pool, safety rules, and pool hours. These rules apply to everyone — including you, your family, and your guests.

Clean up after yourself, you animal.

Bringing snacks and refreshments is usually allowed at most apartment pools (no glass of any kind ever). But don’t abuse the privilege by leaving wrappers, food, cans, and trash around your seating area. Keep things clean around you by making frequent trips to the garbage/recycling.

Spray with caution.

Many people prefer the spray over lotion sunscreens for easy application. While SPF is a must, spraying everyone around you is not. To contain the contents and mist, spray in your hand and apply where needed. If you must spray, walk to an area away from others to spray. Click here for the best sunscreens of 2024.

Keep the gate key or gate code to yourself.

Your community’s pool is a private pool for you and your neighbors. Inviting friends over for a swim is totally acceptable (provided you follow the guidelines for guests), but giving your access key or pool code out to everyone you know is not – and you may be violating terms of your lease.

Let kids have fun safely.

Splashing and screaming is second nature to children, but you and your kids still have to be courteous and considerate of other pool-goers. If your kids start to get rowdy, run at the pool, or get overzealous with the splashing, have them take a break until they have calmed down.

Don’t take your eyes off your kids because this could allow annoying behavior (everyone wants and deserves a peaceful environment) and potentially be very dangerous.  Know your kids’ swimming ability and be with them at all times. You birthed ‘em; you’re responsible. Here’s a great article about kids and pool safety.

Be nice.

Treat others with kindness and courtesy so everyone has a good experience in and around the swimming pool and sun deck.

Now get out there all you cool cats and enjoy some fun in the sun, tanning, swimming, and chillin’ poolside.

 

 

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6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2023/11/27/6-ways-to-keep-your-pet-safe-this-holiday-season/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:52:00 +0000 https://www.fathproperties.com/blog/2023/11/27/6-ways-to-keep-your-pet-safe-this-holiday-season/ ​The holiday season is upon us! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… provided it does not include an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic for your beloved pet. To keep your holidays merry and bright, and your pup or kitty safe, we’ve come up with a few tips so your pet gets nothing…

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​The holiday season is upon us! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… provided it does not include an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic for your beloved pet. To keep your holidays merry and bright, and your pup or kitty safe, we’ve come up with a few tips so your pet gets nothing but love, plenty of scritches, and perhaps a new toy from Santa Paws. Here’s our guide with six ways to keep your pet safe this holiday season.

  1. FOOD

Food and the holidays go hand in hand. Even if you are not entertaining, you will probably have foods in your home that are new to your pet. The best practice is simple: keep all people food out of the reach of your pet. And if your pet is like mine, they can become quite devious in their seek-to-eat escapades. One year I was enjoying a glass of red and a bit of 65% dark chocolate while addressing Christmas cards. When I left the room to get a refill, I tucked the candy into the desk drawer. In the amount of time it took me to top off my wine glass, Ollie had opened the drawer (?!?) and consumed all the chocolate. He was only 10 pounds, the chocolate was dark and gone, so off we went to the emergency animal hospital. I find it so interesting that whenever one of my dogs gets into trouble, it's always after normal vet office hours. Cha ching.

So skip the table scrap snacks. If you’re a softie, and must treat your pup to human food,

Treat your dog to:

  • Pumpkin purée (out of the can, not from the pie)
  • Unseasoned cooked veggies (sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, green beans, broccoli, carrots)
  • Turkey (unseasoned and without bones)
  • Apples (no core or seeds) and bananas
  • Unsweetened cranberries
  • Special treats on the list to Santa Paws include:
    • Chew toys that are basically indestructible
    • Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods
    • Chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
    • Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the riskiest toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery.
    • Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or an interactive cat dancer.

Tell Rover “Absolutely Not” to:

  • Bones can easily splinter and can cause serious health problems (even death) for your pet.
  • Candy contains the sweetener xylitol which can actually lead to liver failure, so keep sweets of all kinds away from your pup, cat or ferret.
  • Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be extremely poisonous when ingested by dogs and may even result in seizures and death.
  • Dairy products like milk, cream, cheese, and butter are bad for dogs. They can cause diarrhea and other digestive disturbances as well as allergic reactions in dogs.
  • The entire onion family, including onion flakes, onion powder, chives, and garlic, may be an ingredient in many holiday foods, from mashed potatoes to gravy to stuffing. In fresh, cooked, dried, or powdered form, onions can lead to damaged blood cells and anemia.
  • Ham and bacon can cause pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening disease, in dogs.
  • Nutmeg, in significant amounts, can be toxic, causing hallucinations, stomach pain, and possibly even seizures. Other spices can be dangerous, too, so it’s best not to feed dogs treats from your holiday dinner.
  • Nuts have a very high fat content and may contain other toxins that can result in stomach upset or other serious health complications. Macadamia nuts, in particular, when fed to your furry family member even in small amounts, can be especially toxic and result in vomiting, tremors, paralysis, rapid heartbeat, and other complications.
  • Citrus and pits. Keep foods containing citric acid away from your pets. Foods such as cherry pits, peach pits and apple seeds contain essential oils that can cause irritations, blockages and even central nervous system depression if a significant amount if ingested.
  • Caffeine from coffee, tea, or chocolate are an ingredient in some deserts or other holiday dishes. Caffeine can actually be fatal to canines.
  • Raisins and grapes consumed even in small quantities may cause rapid kidney failure in some dogs, and fruitcakes are one holiday offering likely to contain them. If you were thinking that you could unload an unwanted fruitcake on your pup, think again.
  • Salt abounds in many holiday dishes, and when consumed by dogs, can cause excessive thirst, urination, or worse. It’s especially detrimental to dogs with underlying kidney or cardiovascular conditions.
  • Sugar found in most holiday desserts can fuel cavities, obesity, and even diabetes. It’s also bad for dogs with arthritis.
  • Alcohol has the same effect on dogs’ livers and brains as on humans’, but it doesn’t take as much to cause serious damage and can even lead to respiratory distress, tremors, coma, and death. That rum cake? Off limits for Rover!
  • Eggnog is loaded with fat, sugar, milk, raw eggs, and alcohol, making it a quintuple whammy, none of which is good for Whisker’s health — or yours, for that matter.

  1. DECK THE HALLS

Who doesn’t love a beautifully decorated home for the holidays? Your pets may love your decorations too much. To keep your pet safe, follow these tips:

  • All By Myself. Never leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree, or potpourri.
  • Boughs of Holly. Avoid mistletoe, lilies, and holly. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
  • Tinsel Town. Kitties love the sparkly, light-catching tinsel "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
  • Oh, Christmas Tree. Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it. A falling tree may injure your pet (not to mention precious ornaments!). A properly secured tree will also prevent the tree water — which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset — from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.
  • Make sure your dogs or cats do not chew on limbs or droppings from the tree. Ingested pine needles could become lodged in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining, or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction.
  • That Holiday Glow. Never leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, and place them on a stable surface. When you leave the room, put the candle out.
  • An Open Fire. If your dog enjoys chewing, avoid fake and fire starter logs. They contain sawdust and paraffin which can cause an irritated stomach or even intestinal blockage when ingested.
  • All Wired Up. Keep wires, batteries, strings of lights, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.

  1. SILENT NIGHT

Give your pet its own quiet space to retreat, complete with fresh water, and a place to snuggle, and a favorite toy or two. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case, kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place or in a separate room away from the hubbub and to escape the excitement (such as if you’re entertaining guests).  

Though the excitement of a party may overwhelm some pets, keep your pets inside during cold weather and provide plenty of toys to keep them busy.

Prepare ahead of party time with lots of play and exercise to discourage barking.

As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

  1. GUESTS

Inform your visitors ahead of time that you have a pet, as some folks may be afraid of dogs or have allergies to pet dander.

Establish house rules with your guests regarding your animals. These rules should include your food and treat preferences, whether guests can feed from the table, if your pet enjoys being held (or not), and what kind of play is appropriate.  If your guests have small children, be sure you and their parents carefully watch to ensure kids don’t handle your pet too roughly or pay it too much attention.

Ask animal-loving guests if they’d like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party. If they are so inclined, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Safeguard all of your medications behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

  1. TRASH

Pets who enjoy selecting their own snacks out of the trash bin can accidentally eat foods that are potentially poisonous to them. Keep trash in tightly sealed containers or hidden somewhere your pet can't access.

  1. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Be prepared for the worst-case scenario:

  • Identify your closest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before an emergency occurs.

  • Write down or store the number for your veterinarian or pet hospital in your phone.

  • Research, then save your pet hospital or clinic's holiday hours.

  • Write down or store the number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 in your phone. Note that a consultation fee may apply.

 

For those of us who love our pets, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without them! Following simple guidelines can make sure your beloved pet stays safe this holiday season. And tell your dog we said hi.

 

 

The post 6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

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