Holiday safety: Pet peeves Published Nov. 22, 2011 By Lt. Col. Brian "Mayday" Mahoney 319th Air Base Wing chief of safety GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The holiday season is a time to take a moment to appreciate our blessings. It is a time to gather with family and friends to enjoy the freedoms this great country embraces. It is also a great time for feasting and sharing gifts with one another. However, there is a hidden danger lurking amidst all the fellowship which many never think about...pet safety. Pet safety is clearly not as big of a problem as driving under the influence, using the turkey fryer improperly, or even trying to break dance to holiday hip hop songs. Yet, many families consider their pets to be another family member. And just like any family member, it is important to protect and provide safety for pets. So here are a few tips for both pet owners and guests visiting families with pets. A few moments reading may avert an emergency trip to the local veterinarian. Exercise pets prior to guests arriving, pet dependent of course; goal: burn excess energy prior to guests arriving Feed pets before guests arrive; goal: reduce begging for and stealing of food by pets Avoid setting food trays within "pet reach" areas; goal: avoid unhealthy pet ingestion Place treats you approve around the house for guests to give pets; goal: provide healthy snacks. TIP: Mark pet treats "For Pets" so your best friend does not get embarrassed when complimenting you on how good the jerky is! Set up a private room for pets; goal: provide a place for your pet to relax away from all the commotion (you can also take a break while "going to check on your pet") Get some new pet toys; goal: keep pets distracted, if possible, from unsafe food opportunities Set up "waste bag" when opening presents or new family games; goal: avoid pet ingestion of toxic dyes, inks, papers, foam, or other materials Secure trash cans; goal: keep pets from ingesting any unhealthy items So now that you have a few things to do you may be asking yourself: "Well that is all good, but what other things are harmful to my pet?" That is a great question and here are just a few samples of items which should be avoided. Cooked bones; bones can splinter and cause severe problems with the digestive tract Onions; may cause canine anemia if consumed by dogs Grapes/raisins (common in stuffing); toxins in the fruit can cause kidney failure in pets Chocolate; contains theobromine, which can cause seizures and kill many types of pets Caffeine; contains toxins which can be hazardous for many pets Alcohol; toxic for pets and a risk for guests too - using a designated driver is the antidote Rich fatty foods (turkey skin, animal fat gravy, etc); can lead to pancreatitis and be very painful for pets; emergency veterinary service is a likely result Baking strings, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and wax paper; digestive tract blockages Holiday plants; poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly; may be toxic to many pets Pine needles; may cause intestinal bleeding and/or punctures leading to major problems Christmas tree water; water may contain fertilizers, bacteria, or preservatives. TIP: DO NOT put aspirin in the water; it may be deadly to a pet when consumed! Tinsel and ornaments; "Hang 'em high" so pets cannot pull them down to play with them; tinsel is a common problem for cat owners and can cause severe intestinal problems Here is the bottom line; pets are a wonderful part of many families' holiday festivities and they need to be protected. Whether you are a pet owner or a guest, please take the time to prepare, protect, and promote safety during this joyous season. One last important tip for all of the readers...never eat the yellow snow; trust me, it does not taste like a lemon snow cone!