Close to 60 percent of US households have at least one dog, cat or other companion animal. While it may be tempting to put a big bow on a cute puppy to give as a gift this holiday season, that’s not always a good idea.
The person or entire family receiving the pet should be involved in selecting it. So many times, puppies and kittens that were given as gifts end up at an animal shelter a few weeks later because there wasn’t enough thought put into the process.
If pets are already sharing the home for the holidays, it’s important to keep them in mind when decorating. Glass tree ornaments and tinsel can be dangerous and mistletoe and poinsettias contain poisons that can be fatal to your pet. Cover or tack down electrical cords. If entertaining stresses your pets, make other arrangements for them such as putting them in an enclosed room away from all the noise or boarding them.
Turkey isn’t the other white meat for dogs. Leave the turkey for humans to enjoy in leftover sandwiches, salads, casseroles and turkey pudding, but don’t feed it to your pets. The bones can be hazardous, and abrupt changes in your pet’s diet can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

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