Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey are waiting for adoption.
Keeping pets safe during the holidays
The most wonderful time of the year can also can pose safety concerns for dogs, cats and pets. Corey Druskin, manager of Choice Pet at The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle in Livingston, offers the following tips for keeping pets safe, healthy and happy throughout the holiday season:
* Secure the Christmas tree. Cats love to climb and excited animals can potentially knock over a tree; it's also wise to hang lights, ornaments and other decorations out of a pet's reach to avoid ingestion or injury.
* Avoid harmful plants as decorations. Many holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, amaryllis and poinsettias can be harmful or even toxic to pets.
* Skip the leftovers. It's tempting to give in to a pet's desire for table treats, but bones and fatty trimmings can be dangerous to them. Avoid offering chocolate and foods containing artificial sweeteners as well.
* Never leave candles where pets can get to them. The holiday season brings out decorative and traditional candles which can be knocked over by pets; menorahs and other candles should be well out of reach of pets.
* Cover or move electrical cords. Holiday lights are a beautiful, but some pets enjoy gnawing on the wires. Make sure cords and wires are out of harm's way or covered in a way pets can't get to them.
Taking simple precautions like these can help make sure that the holidays are happy for both people and pets.
Here is a gallery of homeless pets in New Jersey. More pets in need of adoption can be seen here and here.
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.