1. If you have a live tree, make sure that you cover the water in the base so that your pets can't drink it. The pine sap and chemical additives used to extend tree life are dangerous if ingested.  Clean up fallen pine needles frequently as these can be toxic if swallowed.
2. Secure your tree so that it won’t fall if curious cats climb the branches.
3. Clean up all ribbons, and tinsel, and keep these decorations high enough that they are out of reach as they can block intestines if they are eaten by your pets.
4. If your cats are attracted by the sparkle of glass ornaments keep them high on the tree out of reach.
5. Purchase pet safe extension cords or spray the cords with bitter apple to prevent pets from chewing them.
6. Keep gifts containing food off the floor so that pets won’t be tempted to break into them.
7. Lilies, poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe leaves and berries can cause poisoning, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep all of these out of your pets' reach, or don't buy them.
8. Don’t be tempted to feed your pets table scraps as high fat or high sugar foods can cause gastro-enteritis.
9. Don’t let pets eat chocolate, or foods containing garlic or onions, coffee, and definitely don’t feed them alcohol. Educate your guests to be sure they keep these poisons out of reach of your pets.
10. Burning great smelling candles is popular during the holidays. Keep open flames away from areas where curious kitty can reach. Cats brushing against candles can set their fur on fire.
11. Minimize stress on your pets by giving them a quiet area of the house when large groups friends or family visit your home.
12. Don’t give pets as holiday gifts. If you want a great gift for an animal lover give them pet toys, pet supplies, or gift certificates to pet stores... or better yet - donate to an animal charity on their behalf.

More resources:

1. Pet Poison Safety Tips For the Holiday Season
2. Pet safety tips for a happy holiday season
3. Holiday safety for your pets
4. Winter Holiday Pet Safety Tips
5. Pet safety during the holidays

One of The Ruby Scoop's favourite blogs is about the life of a sweet 9 year old Boston Terrier named Buddy. Buddy was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma and is being cared for naturally under the guidance of an alternative veterinarian here in Ontario. We check in regularly to see how this sweet pooch is doing. If you have a dog recently diagnosed or living with cancer, you'll get a lot of good tips on natural treatment and proper diet. If you love dogs, you'll fall in love with this brave Boston and his compassionate and devoted mama Joanne. Ruby and I hope to meet him in real life one day!

Just like their human counterparts, pets show various signs of aging when they enter the senior years. The only problem is their owners are not always aware of what to look for and may miss those signs—which is very crucial—since detection and prevention are the keys to both longevity and a quality life for your pet. The following are five common health conditions in aging pets as outlined in The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.

Instructions

1. Keep your pet at a healthy weight. At least half of all senior dogs and about a third of all pets are considered overweight, a large jump from the 1970s when it was a much smaller percentage. Overweight pets, just like humans, are at a higher risk for cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, in addition to joint strain and reduced activity. Look for senior formula pet foods or those suited for all life stages. If feeding a homemade diet stick with lean meats and low carbs.
2. Take your pet for routine professional teeth cleanings/exams and practice at-home dental maintenance. Feed your pet tartar control treats and you may also consider brushing their teeth. The large majority of pets over age three have periodontal disease as a result of improper dental care. Aside from tooth loss, gum disease can lead to heart, kidney and liver infections.
3. Schedule a vet exam if you notice a dramatic change in your pet’s activity level. Although reduced energy is natural in aging pets, a dramatic change could be a sign of arthritis. There are various remedies for arthritis including prescription, over-the-counter and natural supplements such as glucosamine and chondrointon.
4. Groom your aging pet regularly, since seniors are more prone to skin conditions and often have a more difficult time grooming themselves. This can also be an opportunity to look for raised bumps or tumors, which may be signs of cancer.
5. Take your pet to the vet if you notice any changes in the eyes. Aging pets can develop the same eye problems as people, including cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are very common in dogs and glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness. Schedule regular medical exams, usually every six months, and make sure the eyes are checked as well.

Tips & Warnings

• As a general rule of thumb, the recommended amount on pet food packages is rarely the amount you should actually feed. Your pet’s age, activity level and health should all be factored in when deciding how much to feed. Use the package as a rough guideline.
• Various factors including breed and weight determine when an animal enters the senior years. For instance, larger dogs enter the senior years earlier than smaller dogs and certain cat breeds tend to live longer, thus become seniors later.
• You can't normally tell if a dog or cat is in pain; they tend to hide it. Instead, look for changes in behavior.
• Never give human pain medication to your pet unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it.

Learn more...

Is my pet at risk of getting heartworm?

If not prevented with prescription heartworm medicine, yes. Heartworm cases have been reported in all of the lower 48 states, dispelling the old notion the disease occurred only in southern states. Your pet needs heartworm protection no matter where you live. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, cats, and ferrets.

How could my pet get heartworms?

Pets get heartworm disease from being bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten another infected animal in your area. Mosquitoes transmit the parasites directly from bloodstream to bloodstream. It takes from three to five months for the heartworm larvae to migrate toward the heart, where they begin to grow into reproducing adults. Some have reached lengths of up to 14 inches.

So how can I help prevent my pet from getting heartworm?

Veterinarians recommend a 3-part program as your best defense. A complete heartworm prevention program consists of having your veterinarian test your pet regularly for heartworm, giving your pet preventive heartworm medications as prescribed by your veterinarian, and reducing your pet's exposure to mosquitoes in the first place.

There are mosquito repellents made especially for dogs that can help prevent mosquito bites, which can help prevent heartworm disease as well as West Nile Virus, another very serious condition spread by mosquitoes.

How long should my heartworm prevention program last?

It's safest to keep up with your medications all year round so your pet's body is always protected against the parasite.

Are there risks associated with giving my pet a heartworm preventive?

As with any medicines there is a very small health risk with heartworm preventives. In over 23 years of practice, I have never dealt with such a case. The benefit of heartworm prevention, however, far exceeds the slight risk. If your pet is not on a heartworm preventive year round, we recommend having your pet tested by your veterinarian before starting on a heartworm preventive.

If my pet does get heartworm, what are the warning signs I should watch for?

Dogs with heartworm infections may show a cough, decreased appetite, weight loss, an inability to exercise, and general listlessness. In addition, cats also may exhibit breathing problems, vomiting, blindness, and seizures. You know your pet's personality best, so if you notice marked changes including these signs, you should take your pet in for testing as soon as possible.

It's finally starting to feel like spring in Toronto. Ruby is loving just laying in the sun - inside and outside. She's also getting spoiled for walks. If your dog is going to start spending a lot more time outdoors, you'll need to pick up an insect repellent. We quite like Flea the Scene. This 3-in-1 spray leaves Ruby's coat soft and it soothes irritated skin with Indian Frankincense and aloe vera. It provides UV protection with an all-natural sunscreen... yes, dogs can get sun burns too! Protect your pooch this summer.

Drew Barrymore has reportedly put her dog Flossie, a Labrador/Chow Chow mix, on a diet. She is said to be so worried about her recent weight gain that she asked the vet to put the dog on prescription diet pills Slentrol.

You may remember that Drew was saved by Flossie when a fire struck her house in 2001. At around 3am, Flossie barked after smelling smoke and "literally banged on their bedroom door", according to Drew.

Picture: Celebrity Dog Watcher