Coming Home Magazine

1. Opt for pet-safe plants. Before you deck the halls with festive flora, know that some holiday plants are harmful to pets. Luckily, several options, like artificial plants or holiday cacti, majesty palms, and moth orchids, provide holiday cheer without the hazards. Place the plants in areas your pet can't reach for added safety. Above all, steer clear of plants that can be harmful to animals, like: • Azaleas • Amaryllis • Ivy • Holly • Mistletoe • Poinsettias 2. Scent your home with a homemade air freshener. It wouldn't be the perfect holiday without a scrumptious fragrance filling your home. Ditch the candles (and open flames) for a homemade air freshener instead. Cultivating that wintery aroma is quick and easy. Simply add these ingredients to a saucepan and let simmer over low heat until the water evaporates: • 6 cups of water • 2 sliced apples • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1 drop of vanilla extract • 3 cloves 3. Use pet-friendly decorations. Decorations transform your home into a magical wonderland—except curious pets love to play with all the things that look, feel, and smell like toys. Be mindful of the following when adorning your space: • Tinsel, wrapping paper, and ribbons. With the crunch of the wrapping paper, the fringe of the tinsel, and the length of the ribbon, young dogs and cats often confuse gift-wrapping material for playthings. Go light on the gift- wrapping extras and hide flashy objects that may seem fun to Fido. • Ornaments. Appealing to people and pets, ornaments are small, round, and toy-like. Obviously used as decoration and not for food or to play with, hang them high and anchor them well so they don't break and cause injuries. • Christmas trees. Secure your Christmas tree so mischievous pets won't tip it over. If you have a real tree, cover the reservoir so pets don't mistake it for their drinking water. 4. Hide cords and batteries. Power cords and batteries from twinkling lights and electronic trinkets can be hazardous. Check that your cables and batteries don't look like enticing chew toys, and consider taping cords to walls, using cord protectors, or strategically placing furniture to cover cords. The more boring you can make your electronics appear, the better. 5. Only give safe treats and sweets. A delightful dinner for your holiday event is great for humans, but play it safe with what you feed your furry friends. Keep the cranberry sauce and chocolate away from little paws and try treating them with their own packaged goodies or unseasoned foods, like: • Turkey meat • Salmon • Green beans • Carrots • Potatoes • Pumpkin purée • Peanut butter While sharing is caring, remember the golden rule: when in doubt, it's best not to share at all. 6. Create a calm retreat. Crowded gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, particularly those who are shy or anxious. Arrange a quiet and safe space where they can retreat if the festivities and attention become too loud or too much. Make this hideout with their bed, toys, and familiar scents so they're relaxed and comfortable away from the holiday hustle and bustle. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 25

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