Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Weekend

April 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Whether you celebrate Easter, Pesach, Velek Den, or any other Spring holiday, take common sense precautions:

-Create a safe place for pets to go when visitors become overwhelming. Declare this room off limits.

Introduce this room to your pets beforehand, and explain it's for their benefit, not a punishment. Please don't make this spot a lonely yard or garage. Your bedroom is ideal, as they can comfort themselves with your scent.

-Seize a golden education opportunity.
Explain clearly & kindly to children that pets have a limit to their energy and patience. I explain this cheerfully at the outset of visits, not when a pet is begging, "Make them stop!"

Since most people don't hear animals speak, animals may resort to scratching, biting or kicking to be heard.

Kids are adrenalized/sugarized during holidays, and often don't realize when pets have had enough. Some kids have never been taught the difference between an animal & a toy.

I'll state this outright: some animals don't like kids. Kids simply aren't part of their Life Purpose. Smallness & cuteness aren't related to "child friendliness." I've managed Thoroughbred breeding stallions. The most macho, temperamental equine I've had in my life---is a tiny Shetland gelding!

Protect your pet's safety and sanity, while educating in kindness and consciousness.

-Keep artificial grass, cellophane, raffia, wrappers, ribbon and balloons away from pets. If swallowed, these can cause intestinal obstruction. Incredibly painful, and the surgery is expensive.

-Chocolate is toxic to most pets. It can cause serious illness, even death.

-Monitor amount and type of treats guests give your pets. Prepare a festive treat basket with a limited amount of treats. When they're gone, they're gone. Again, explain this at the outset. I tell kids that too many treats will cause pets to barf. That usually works. You may have to listen to THEIR barf stories, though.

-Keep dyed Easter eggs in a safe place. The dye is toxic. The smell of "ripening" eggs can be irresistible to some pets.

-Lilies are poisonous.

-Holiday excitement can cause pet "accidents." Have spot cleaner ready, & don't make a big deal. Your pet is likely already embarrassed by the lapse. React as you would if a toddler peed their pants; with kindness & concern. It's time for the Safe Room. Explain to your pet this room is for their benefit.

-Post signs such as, "Don't let the cat out," & "Close the gate." If you have a barn, make sure the No Smoking rule is clear. Never underestimate others' lack of knowledge about animals, or the effects of wine.

-Give pets an extra toy or chewie to occupy & reward them for their patience.

-If guests bring pet toys/treats, examine the label carefully. Don't feed anything made in China; pets are dying from toxic materials. Some companies are using false labels, Made in USA. Read the fine print.

-Keep poultry bones away from your pet. They splinter easily & can cause organ damage.

-If you live on a rural property where animals run loose, get them into enclosures well ahead of time. Not everyone is a careful driver.

Holiday excitement can cause pets to act in unusual ways, such as chasing cars.

As guests leave, bang on car hoods to make sure kitty hasn't crawled inside for an engine nap.

-Lock your birds' cage door. Craigslist Pets regularly has ads saying, "We didn't realize our bird was out when someone opened the window..."

-Ban Teflon. The fumes are poisonous. They'll kill birds within minutes & have grave respiratory effects on other animals (including humans).

-Please don't get live bunnies and chicks. Thousands of these vulnerable creatures are bought on impulse, then neglected and discarded. Only 5% of Easter bunnies and chicks live to their first year! Shelters are flooded. Neither animal makes a good children's pet, as they are fragile and take a lot of care. Vet care for bunnies can be even more expensive than for cats and dogs. Make yours chocolate!

-If you've done your research & feel prepared for a new pet, wait till after the excitement of the holidays. Pets deserve a calm, consistent welcome. Many behaviour problems start Day One.

Have a wonderful, blessed holiday weekend!

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Curious about what your pet has to say? Struggling with behaviour problems? Reisa will be doing drop in consultations at the Spring Holistic Healing Event in North Vancouver Saturday, April 14th, noon to 6. This event takes place at "The Centre for Intuitive Studies." Please contact them or Reisa for more info on what to bring, prices, etc. Free admission, fee for readings.

Visit Reisa Mary Stone's website: http://www.reisastone.com

Subscribe to her "Talking With Animals" Newsletter to receive ongoing help and advice for your pets.

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Reisa Mary Stone helps people solve pet behaviour problems by promoting harmonious relationships. www.reisastone.com