Pet Proofing Your Home For The Holidays

PALMYRA, VA (Wednesday, November 30, 2005) - You want to keep your entire family safe this holiday and that includes your cherished pets. Each holiday season, Americans buy approximately 70 million poinsettias. Many pet owners would be surprised to learn, however, that poinsettias may be dangerous to their pet’s health.

To help you keep your pets safe this holiday season, Jacob D’Aniello, president of DoodyCalls offers pet owners the following tips.

Keep chocolate away from your pets. Many dogs are attracted to the taste and smell of chocolate. Unfortunately, chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Just 4-5 ounces of chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Use tinsel and ribbons sparingly or not at all. While tinsel no longer contains dangerous lead, it can still be hazardous to your pet’s health. If ingested, tinsel and ribbons can cause severe intestinal blockages in dogs and cats.

Some fruits and nuts may be dangerous. Macadamia nuts affect the digestive, nervous, and muscle systems of dogs. Grapes and raisins are very high in iron and may overload your dog’s kidneys. Damage caused from eating raisins is permanent and may even be fatal.

Holiday plants can be hazardous to your pet’s health. The same plants and flowers that bring holiday cheer to our homes may also present a health hazard to our pets. Holly leaves and berries may cause stomach problems and possibly death. Mistletoe may cause a heart attack. Hibiscus may cause diarrhea and Poinsettias may cause your pet’s mouth and stomach to blister. Make sure to keep these plants out of your dog’s reach.

Holiday tree water may be toxic. Don’t let your dog drink the water that feeds your Christmas tree. Water mixed with pinesap is toxic for your pet to drink. Tree water may also contain additives, preservatives and fertilizers that are hazardous to your pet’s health.

Keep alcohol away from your pets. Place unattended alcoholic drinks out of the reach of pets. Animals that drink alcohol can become very weak and even die.

Don’t hesitate to call for help. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

“Pet Proofing Your Home for the Holidays,” is provided by DoodyCalls. DoodyCalls was founded in 2000 and provides pet waste removal service to homeowners and communities throughout the U.S. With locations nationwide DoodyCalls is fully insured, members of aPAWS (Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists), IFA (International Franchise Association), and the world’s foremost pet waste removal service. The company’s carefully selected pet waste removal specialists clean up after many thousands of dogs each week. Pet owners may reach DoodyCalls online at www.DoodyCalls.com or by calling 1.800.DoodyCalls (366.3922) to reach the location nearest to them.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jacob D'Aniello

DoodyCalls

434.589.3810

http://www.DoodyCalls.com

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