How to Prepare for Safe Holidays

Do you remember the cat scene in the Chevy Chase’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? A cat suddenly gets really interested in Christmas lights and starts to gnaw on the wire. When the cat’s teeth reach the copper that’s when things get ugly. You may think that this part of the movie is exaggerated…think again.
CSA International’s survey on pets and safety during the holidays (Pets and Holiday Safety Survey) reveals rather disturbing information about Canadians and their pets during the holiday season. According to the survey, nearly one in four Canadians had to bring their pet to the vet over the holidays (or knows someone in the same situation). If some basic security principles are neglected, holiday decorations can very dangerous for pets.
The holiday season can be a very busy time in veterinary clinics. Pets are often not aware of the consequences of their behaviour in a house decorated for the holidays. A faulty set of lights, plants and candles can, among other things, wreak havoc. Owners must ensure the welfare of their animals by ensuring that their home is safe for them.
To avoid accidents and ensure the safety of pets and all family members during the holiday season, CSA International offers the following advice:
1- Inspect and discard sets of Christmas lights with frayed wiring. Christmas decorations in good condition and well insulated can reduce electrical hazards and fire risks.
2- When you decorate a tree or a room, place the fragile decorations and electrical decorations out of reach of children and pets. Edible objects like chocolate, poinsettias, and coloured sparkling decorations must also be placed high up.
3- After the holidays, put the lights and decorations in their original packaging. Keep pets away from areas reserved for gift wrapping. Ingestion of string, plastic and paper packaging can cause intestinal blockages and cause a visit to the vet.
4- Get Connected security side: Put your family and pets safe from electrical shock by plugging all your outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by circuit breakers Earth leakage test of the water.
5- Do not leave any burning candle unattended. Pets can burn or cause a fire if a candle spills. Use the appropriate chandeliers and install them on a stable surface. If you leave the room, blow off the candle.
6- Your pet probably loves lounging by the fireplace during the holidays. However, families should take the necessary precautions to ensure safety in case of fire, smoke and gas hazards.
7- Make sure your gas fireplace is not cracked or damaged and is in good condition and always ensure that children and pets to stay clear of hot surfaces and open flame.
8- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Install at least one carbon monoxide detector (CO) near the rooms and check your smoke alarms once a month. You should install a detector on each floor of your home and outside each room. For more information about installing detectors, consult your local fire department or the securitealamaison . com <website.

9- When you buy light strings, extension cords or electrical decorations, look for a pet safe certification stamp, such as CSA International, for example. You will have the assurance that products have been tested and have been certified to safety standards and applicable operation.
10-If you buy a Christmas tree, make sure it is freshly cut. It will be less likely to dry out and pose a fire hazard. The artificial trees illuminated by electric lights must have a certification mark and be made of fireproof material. Owners of pets must take the time to fix their Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling to avoid mishaps.
11- Last but not least; you will probably be out with your pet more often than usual during the holidays. Make sure your pet has a pet id tag in case your pet decides to “explore” without your permission. At The Tag Studio we carry a variety of engraved pet id tags incuding dog tags and cat tags customized for your needs.

For more about dog ID tags and pet tags please visit www.thetagstudios.com