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News Releases - Dec 22, 2009
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KEEP YOUR HOLIDAYS MERRY

spcaLA Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday 

Los Angeles CA – The holiday season is a joyous time filled with fun, family and gifts.  Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) reminds everyone to safeguard pets from hazards that often go unnoticed.  The last place you or your pet wants to spend the holidays is in an emergency hospital.  spcaLA offers these easy safety tips to ensure your holidays are merry and bright:

  • Holiday plants such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and hibiscus are toxic to pets so keep them out of their reach.
  • Tiny decorations and tinsel look very appetizing to pets.  If swallowed, they must be surgically removed or the pet may die.
  • Use ribbon or yarn instead of hooks to hang ornaments.  Metal ornament hooks can get caught in mouths.
  • Deck the halls with tape and cord covers.  Holiday lighting is often accompanied by extension cords.  Pets can suffer burns and electrocution from chewing through electrical cords.  Place cords out of sight or use plastic tubing available at hardware stores to cover the cords.
  • Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times, in addition to being micro-chipped.  This is important throughout the entire year, but especially during the holidays as there may be a greater risk of your pet escaping due to increased visitors.
  • Bells may ring and children may sing, but your pets may need a quiet place to retreat. During holiday parties, pets that have their own room will feel safer; less stressed and won't be able to accidentally escape out the front door.
  • Be careful of candles as pets can tip them over or curious cats can get burned by the flame.
  • Make no bones about it!  Never give your pets leftover bones from meals you are making. Cooked bones splinter and can be fatal to pets.
  • Turkey and gravy makes a festive feast for humans but not for pets.  Fatty foods such as gravy and turkey skin can cause your pet to develop pancreatitis which can be deadly.  
  • Chocolate is a great treat, but not for your pet.  Keep it away from animals because it could make them very sick.

"According to statistics, the most joyous time of year is unfortunately one of the most dangerous times for pets,” said spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein.  “Taking some easy precautionary measures is the best way to ensure that you and your pet will have a happy and healthy holiday season.”
Rather than purchase an animal as a surprise gift that the recipient may not be ready for, spcaLA encourages you to buy a gift certificate from either of spcaLA’s Pet Adoption Centers or at www.spcaLA.com that can be redeemed at any time.  That, along with a book about pet care would make a great gift as well as begin the journey of responsible pet ownership.  If now is the right time to expand your family with a new pet, please remember there are many wonderful animals at shelters throughout Southern California who would love a home. 

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Miriam Davenport at (323) 730-5300, x233, cell (323)353-4658 or email mdavenport@spcaLA.com. 

spcaLA is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California since 1877.  There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA.  Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.