A Very Furry Christmas: Pet Gift Ideas, Safety Tips For The Holidays
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Christmas has gone to the dogs.
Pet lifestyle expert and bestselling author Wendy Diamond hit The Couch with a holiday gift guide for pets, and some holiday safety tips to keep in mind when decorating your home.
More: 10 Tips For Holiday Travel With Your Pet
Pet Safety Tip #1: Deck the Halls (without the Holly)!
Prepare your home with pet-friendly decorations and move harmful items out of paws reach! Boughs of holly mistletoe and many varieties of liliesare harmful to your pets when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems; or kidney failure in cats. Opt for artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or purchase a pet-safe bouquet.
Keep cocktails away from your guests with tails by placing unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your furry friend could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
Exercise canine candle caution and don't leave lighted candles near your pet when you are not around. Use wickless candles, always place candleholders on a level surface and remember to put the candle out if you leave the room.
Pet Safety Tip #2: Canine Comfort!
Give your pets a quiet place to escape from the festivities to relax while you mingle with your guests. And as you ring in the New Year, remember that noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause damage to sensitive ears. Strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery so celebrate with your pets safety in mind.
Crypton Cherries Bumper Bed
This bed will have your pooch relaxing in style. Crypton is the only fabric made to resist stains, germs, moisture & odor. Crypton is perfect for grimy paws, odor and wet fur. Its easy take care of, so you can enjoy the party without worrying about cleaning up!
Price: $100 - $124
Pet Safety Tip #3: Barkin Around the Christmas tree!
Stuff your pet's stockings with special gifts that are safe and fun! In their excitement dogs may tear their toys apart and swallow the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with toys that are basically indestructible, like the Kygen Dog Puzzle that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
Kygen Dog Puzzle
The Kygen Dog Puzzle game stashes treats or tennis balls inside, creating a fun mental exercise for dogs. The beauty of this gift during the cold winter months is ten minutes of thinking and playing can equal 45 minutes of active outside play for pets. Its also purr-fect for keeping Fido busy while youre in the kitchen preparing the big feast!
Price: $19.99
Long, stringy things are on a feline's wish list, but toys that contain ribbon and yarn can get stuck in a cats intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise your kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer - and tons of play sessions together.
Pet Safety Tip #4: No Doggy Bags for the Leftovers!
Keep pets away from fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, on the table. Move unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. When its time for dessert dont feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol. Instead dish up healthy doggy delights in minutes with the Sunbeam Pets Dog Treat Maker.
Sunbeam Pets Dog Treat Maker
Theres no more worrying about commercial pet food recalls - prepare fresh soft-baked treats for Fido with ingredients that you control. Youll have so much fun creating new gourmet and organic treats, you wont mind when if he comes back for seconds!
Price: $29.99;
Pet Safety Tip #5: A Prescription for Pet Trouble!
Keep all of your medications behind secure doors and tell your guests to keep their meds packed away too.
Avoid a holiday catastrophe by taking down the tinsel so your cat wont paw around and carry the sparkly decoration in their mouth. Even a nibble can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.
Anchor your Christmas tree so it will not fall and cause an injury. Stagnant water is also a breeding ground for bacteria and if your pet goes sniffing they could end up with an upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea.
Move wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. Wires can cause a potentially lethal electrical shock to your pet, while punctured batteries and shards of glass can cause damage and/or burns to the mouth and esophagus.
If your pet gets a little too curious and ends up getting hurt, battle bow wow bruises with L.L. Beans Sporting Dog First Aid Kit.
Price: $79.50
Pet Safety Tip #6: Pet-ercise!
Preparing for the Howl-idays will disrupt you and your pups daily schedule. Spend some quality time together by taking a walk to burn off Fidos extra gfashion statement while strolling around the town.
Pretty Polly All Over Bones tights
These warm and colorful tights are a treat for the eyes and your legs, since they also contain secret modal socks ideal for wearing under boots!
Price: $8.00; Visit: Pretty Polly
However, if Fido skipped his pet-ercise routine and your guests would like to give your furry friend a little attention while you're busy, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Pet Safety Tip #7: Say Goodbye to Pet Hair!
And when the guests have gone home, clean up after the festivities with Dysons Tangle Free Turbine Tool.
Dyson Tangle Free Turbine Tool
With grooming costs growing sky-high, this tool is the purr-fect gift for pet parents looking to groom at home. Removes pet hair with ease and without tangling or losing suction.
Price: $69.99; Visit: Dyson
