‘Tis the season of drunken dogs and inquisitive cats

Published 1:30 am Sunday, December 25, 2016

The holidays are plastered with disasters for our furry kids. Ornaments. Bows. Cocktails. Plants. Lights. Tinsel. Our pretties are our pets’ poisons.

Here are some tips:

1. Don’t leave your eggnog unattended. Dogs and cats can’t handle their liquor.

The alcohol and raisins in fruitcake can be harmful for dogs. Cats, of course, are smart enough not to eat fruitcake, but they can be killed by curiosity.

What’s not to love about twinkling lights? That is, until those sharp cat teeth bite through electrical cords. Liquid potpourri and candles are burn dangers for kitty.

Cats also like to chew on houseplants. Poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are toxic, but typically not lethal.

Ornaments are toys waiting to happen for some pets. A tree with shiny balls is pure merriment. For dogs, though, chomping baubles can cause an obstruction if swallowed.

Everybody knows dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but try telling that to a dog.

It’s worse when laced with pot. Keep your edibles tucked away from the pets — and kids.

Keep your pet in a quiet room away from the frolic and open doors that invite escape when the hoards of relatives arrive. You may even want to escape. Have another glass of eggnog instead.

2. It’s OK to let your pet indulge in holiday fun, but do it sensibly.

Spread the joy with a new pet toy. Get pet treats made by a reputable company.

If you must share the holiday meal with your pet, lean turkey meat or a cooked carrot can be safe options. They’ll gulp it like it’s bacon.

3. Pet emerency care centers are open 24/7. Make sure you have the phone number of the one closest to you.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline number is 888-426-4435. There might be a $65 consultation fee. For more information, go to www.aspca.org.

— Andrea Brown, Herald writer