How to Celebrate Christmas with Pets

You can celebrate Christmas with your pets in a fun and safe way!

Here are a few tips to make the holiday season a happy one for your family and your pets:

· Make Christmas cards and pictures including your pet! Take Christmas photos of your pets to include in cards and letters. Dress up your pets in holiday gear and Christmas duds if he/she will allow it! Or just put a Santa hat on them for the pet who likes the understated look. No matter what your picture looks like, people will enjoy seeing your ‘extended family’ in their holiday cards. You can even make Hanukkah cards to send to your Jewish friends.

· Keep your pet safe by pet-proofing your house for the holidays. Make sure that any poisonous Christmas plants like the poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are kept out of reach. Be sure that any Christmas tree decorations are kept away from your pets as well. Small items can cause choking if eaten, so make sure they are out of reach. Make certain chocolate items are away from pets, since chocolate is dangerous for dogs and most other pets. Put light cords in PVC pipes so that Rover can't chew on them. Christmas trees are just one hazard after another. Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers. Swallowed pine needles can puncture pet's intestines. And frisky puppies and kittens have been known to pull down a Christmas tree. You can try avoidance therapy by tossing an empty soda can filled up with pennies anytime a pet gets close to the tree. The only sure way to prevent tree danger or damage is never to leave your pet unsupervised with the tree.

· Buy gifts for your pets. Pets like to open presents too! Don’t forget to hang a stocking for your pooch on the mantel next to yours and fill it with nice flavored bones and chew toys. Toys and treats make great stocking stuffer ideas too. Purchase things that will excite your pet! You can even get something extra special this holiday for your pet like a stylish carrier, doggie bling bling or a fancy lead and collar. Pet sofas and beds come in designer prints now! Spring for beef-flavored bottled water for that special touch. And remember, there are thousands of ideas for your pet's Christmas present. From specialty dog biscuits with holiday icing to Christmas collars, your pet can have the excitement of having their own presents on Christmas day.

· Make Christmas treats for your pet. Just as you cook for family during Christmas, don’t forget your pet. There are numerous types of homemade treats you can cook for certain pets like dogs and cats. While you’re cooking up your family’s goodies, add a few extra minutes and bake some desserts for your dogs. If you can’t find premixed items, just be sure to use pet-safe ingredients such as yogurt, peanut butter and carob. Never use chocolate and remember turkey bones can cause internal damage.

· Visit Santa with your pet. Check with your local shopping mall to see if there is a day for pets to sit on Santa's lap.

· Prepare your animal for holiday travel by seeing a veterinarian at least two weeks before taking off. Get whatever vaccinations are needed and ask about sedation for a long trip or for an especially nervous animal. If you're flying, you'll also need a health certificate from your vet dated within ten days of takeoff. Bring your pet's medical records with you when you travel.

Read more at ehow.com.