iPetVet App Releases Top Ten Ways To Keep your Pets Safe This Holiday

Nov. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Tis the season to holly, jolly and festive, right? Not necessarily for your pets. This time of year, the iPetVet App reminds pet owners that common holiday occurrences can pose serious dangers for pets. To avoid pet hazards, remember these top 10 tips.

1-Trimming the tree with caution. Whether you have a puppy with an active tail, or kitty who enjoys climbing trees, make sure your Christmas tree is safe. Make sure your tree is securely fastened to avoid tipping. In case of a tip, avoid using artificial ingredients in your tree stand water which pets see as a novel new water bowl.

2-Tame your guests. You may know better than feeding your pet from the table, but do your guests? Make sure holiday food is out of reach from your pet and train your house guests on appropriate treats.

3-Pet proof wrapping supplies. Pretty ribbon, crunchy peanuts and wrapping materials are attractive to both cats and dogs, but can lead to deadly obstructions if consumed. Never leave pets unattended with wrapping supplies. As you open presents, dispose of wrapping materials in pet proof containers.

4-Practice cold-weather safety. Remember your pets as the temperatures dip. If you have a white Christmas, remember to clean your pets paws as salt used to treat sidewalks and driveways can cause intestinal issues. Make sure outdoor pets have a safe, warm, weather proof space or are brought indoors.

5-Holiday plant protection. Festive holiday plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettias can cause serious gastrointestinal issues or poisoning if digested. If you like the look without the risk, keep plants out of reach from your pet or use artificial plant decorations.

6-Pet traveling tips. If traveling with your pet, create a new tag with emergency contact information, address of where you will be staying and a local pet hospital. If driving with your pet consider crating for safety and never leave your pet alone in freezing temperatures.

7-Watch alcohol consumption. If your holiday celebration involves alcohol, be mindful of your pets. Alcohol consumption can leave your pet weak, disoriented and pose long term consequences and short term emergencies.

8-Fire safety. If candles are part of your holiday decor, keep out of reach from excited tails. Use as accents away from your pets or use electronic candles for a similar look. Always remember to blow candles out when you leave the room.

9-Tree Decorations. While decking the halls and trimming the tree keep ornaments out of reach from your pets as they may resemble toys. Broken glass, sharp edges, dangerous materials can cause significant illness in your animal. Be mindful of cats who bat at the tree. If they can reach the ornaments, consider moving.

10-Avoiding stress. The holidays are stressful for humans and our pets. Carve out a special place in the house that is holiday and guest free for your pet. Keep on a regular schedule to avoid stress and make lots of time for extra holiday attention.

iPetVet recommends pet owners use the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year to make sure everyone in the family is aware of pet hazards, safety plans and have access to a symptom tracker for emergencies. For more information, download the leading pet health symptom tracker available for download in the iTunes store at http://ipetvetapp.com.

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e iPetVet iPhone App is the leading resource for pet owners who want to stay ahead of their pet health. The all-in-one symptom tracker and pet profile gives pet owners instant access to pet symptoms, treatment options, when to contact your veterinarian and more. iPetVet also keeps track of critical veterinary information through the exclusive pet profile feature. The companion website offers pet owners exclusive discounts, information and resources. More information can be found at pethealth.ipetvetapp.com.