Holiday Pet Safety for Hanukkah and Christmas

Learn Pet Safety Lady's recipe for a successful Pet Safe Holiday


one part food
one part drinks
one part safety

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly…”


– Christmas trees, menorahs, mistletoe, candles, food, gifts, music, dreidels, more food, wrapping paper, ribbon, and good cheer – the Holidays are here again!

– Friends and relatives, young and old, will be tumbling through the front door as we all get together to celebrate. And our furry friends will be joining the festivities!

Potential dangers are lurking for our pets at this time of year, with thousands of pets becoming ill or seriously injured. But with a little forethought and a few minutes attention to some simple tasks you will ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your human and animal friends alike. Vet emergency rooms across the country will have a busier than usual time and these suggestions from Pet Safety Lady will ensure you and all your family and friends spend your holidays at home, happy and safe.

We all know it is a busy time, a time of much planning, shopping, cooking and baking, rushing to and from parties and get-together with relatives and friends. So oftentimes we forget about our little four-legged members of the family during the rush and festivities.
They are curious and anxious as we, their caretakers are and there are many hazards waiting for their curiosity.

As Pet Safety Lady the holidays are great for the whole family including pets and there are some easy ways for us to put safety first for Hanukkah and Christmas.

Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe:

• Poultry bones can easily splinter and can lacerate your pet's mouth or throat or obstruct your pets' insides.

• Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing, can damage your dog's or cat's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
• Chocolate has the potential to be fatal to your dog or cat; so place those sweets well out of reach.
• Aluminum foil, wax paper and other food wrappings, if ingested, can cause intestinal obstruction. Make sure to place these items securely in the garbage.
• Provide your pet with a quiet retreat should the holiday festivities become too much for him. Watch his behavior to make sure he is not stressed. Keep outside doors closed and remind guests there is a pet in the house.
• Fatty, rich, or new types of foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life threatening.
• Keep garbage cans securely closed. If your pet gets into it, he may think he's hit the jackpot, but all he'll be winning are health problems that can range from gastric disturbance, vomiting and diarrhea to the worst-case scenario - death.
• Plants poisonous to pets (holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, Christmas rose)
• Pine needles can create problems if ingested and the ingestion of inappropriate foods, tinsel, ribbons or garlands can cause sickness or obstruction.
• Unsecured Christmas trees pose hazards to climbing critters as they can topple or be knocked over.
• Don't forget to prevent the ingestion of Christmas tree water since stagnant water or preservatives can be toxic.
• Other holiday hazards include menorahs, candles and liquid potpourri pots.
• Fire and burns are not the only threats to pets and the household. Scented items can also be harmful--especially to birds.
• Breakable items such as glass and other ornaments pose a threat and electrical cords, heated decorative bulbs, hooks, and a wide variety of other adornment items create temptations. Use topical pet deterrents and barriers for protection.
• Nicotine poses a threat. Keep it out of reach.
• Chewing aluminum foil is a risk for pets plus may have e-coili.
• Store food in secure containers out of reach to prevent ingestion or poisoning.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations and impressions in one year and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Bark Buckle UP Paw Blogger Ms Daisy Mae Bark's About 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited

Bark Buckle UP's Paw Blogger Daisy Mae is digging into the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited with a little help from Jim Hamel her owner. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean that it is any good. If you go to any dog park anywhere in the country you will find at least a few dogs that are less interested in playing and more interested in sniffing their own excrement. I was brought up to be a lady so such endeavors are, to my eyes, nothing short of reprehensible.

I have a similar level of distaste for the admittedly hyper-successful 2011 Hyundai Sonata. It is so popular that it has rocketed past the Nissan Altima to become the 3rd best-selling family car in the United States. But is that to say it’s any good? Not if my previous notion about popularity is any guide.

I will admit that the Sonata marked the beginning of Hyundai’s new design language which I think looks terrific on the 2011 Tucson and upcoming 2011 Elantra. Here it just makes the Sonata look like a big banana. Perhaps the gross pearl white exterior color of my Limited tester did it no favors there. This car looks much better in dark metallic or black.

Speaking of bad color choices the interior of my test model featured the “wine” (also known by others with eyes as purple) leather trim. I was amazed at how much this leather felt like vinyl especially when I compared it to the terrific leather in the 2011 Kia Optima EX I tested a week later. Kia is owned by Hyundai and both of these family sedans are similarly priced so I don’t understand how the quality in evidence could be that much different.

I had an easy enough time hopping into the admittedly roomy back seat but my daddy always hit his head trying to latch me into the car seat buckle. I can only imagine it would be just as difficult for parents securing their children into the car seat.

One ace up the Sonata’s sleeve is trunk space—it has an overabundance of it with a class leading 16.4 cubic feet of room. Although our tester only managed a little over 22 miles per gallon over the week (well shy of the 22 city/35 highway EPA ratings), the gas tank is 18.5 gallons so there is a decent cruising range.
Lastly, my daddy really disliked the way the Sonata Limited we tested steered and handled. The steering was overly light, according to him, and one time when we went over a large bump the car bucked so hard that I flew off the back seat into the rear footwell. Thank goodness I was wearing my harness.
So I don’t really recommend the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. If you are looking for a terrific Korean family sedan with a 10 year warranty go check out the 2011 Kia Optima. You will be much happier. And safer too, I think.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited
Base Price: $25,295
Price as Tested: $28,415 (including destination)
Options on Test Vehicle: Navigation Package--$2,100 (includes touchscreen navigation, XM traffic/sports, 400-watt Infinity audio system, back-up camera), floormats--$100, pearl white paint--$200
Engine: 2.4 liter direct injected 4-cylinder
Power: 200 horsepower/186 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60: 6.9 seconds (estimated)
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/35 highway
Economy as Tested: 22.6 miles per gallon
Runs on: Regular Unleaded
Fuel Tank Size: 18.5 gallons
Trunk Size: 16.4 cubic feet
Curb Weight: 3,300 lbs. (estimated)
Crash Test Ratings: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 mile bumper to bumper
10 year/100,000 mile powertrain
Assembled in: Montgomery Alabama
North American Parts Content: 41%
Vehicle Provided by: Hyundai

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

About: Daisy Mae, she is the new PAW investigative automotive writer for Bark Buckle UP. She is an 8 year old Boxer who, until recently, called Boxer Rescue Los Angeles her only home. As a senior citizen among many adorable Boxer pups, her chances of being adopted seemed pretty dim. But James Hamel, a freelance auto journalist who works from home, adopted little Miss Daisy Mae and has put her to work helping him write reviews. She now travels with him in every vehicle that he tests and offers up her unique take on what makes a vehicle or product truly “Pet Safe.”

Doggie NO More Jump

As Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Bloggers and of course with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S. So you’ve got this adorable dog, and he is just wonderful! You love him with all your heart, but, he’s got this one problem... he jumps on you, and visitors, all the time!
If he’s a small dog, you may not be too concerned. On the other hand, maybe your dog is pushing 100 lbs. Jumping up to say hello and score a lick of your face may not be so cute anymore now that he’s all grown up. Don’t fret, your dog is normal... and you can break the habit.

Before you try to correct the behavior, it’s best to understand why he is jumping. Despite what some may think, dogs don’t just jump “out of nowhere” for “no reason.” Jumping up is normal behavior for a dog, as is mouthing. If you ever have the chance to watch a litter of puppies interacting, you’ll notice they jump all over each other and on their parents, as well. These are instinctual ways to play, and to learn how to assert dominance over one another. Another reason your dog may be jumping is because he may have been rewarded, at one time, for jumping up to say hello to someone. If your friend pet and loved Fido for jumping up to say hello, he thinks he did something good! And he wants more pets and love from everyone!

You can try to determine why your dog is jumping. Is he jumping up on guests because he is excited and wants to play? Is he jumping up to let them know he is the man of the house? Also, pay close attention to whether or not you are encouraging the behavior. Some people let their dogs jump up when “they feel like it.” You may like to get “hugs” from Fido when you come home, but when he jumps up on a child he can easily knock her over. Your dog doesn’t know how to distinguish when it’s acceptable or not. Consistency, as with most training techniques, will be key in correcting the behavior.

What NOT to do

When your dog jumps, yelling out phrases like “NO!” or “GET DOWN!” may not make sense to Fido, especially if “down” means to lay down (as in most training classes). Yelling and punishing your dog with anger and frustration can actually raise your dog’s excitement level even more. It’s not the words you use that will stop Fido from jumping, but it is your approach and demeanor.

And, most importantly, do not encourage him to jump by petting him when he does so. This will only confuse him, as you are telling him “jumping is acceptable.”

What TO DO

In many professional training classes, the first tool utilized is the “body block.” It’s like an introductory step to the rest of the techniques we will be discussing. When Fido jumps at you, block your body and twist away from him, sideways, so his paws have nothing to lean on, and he’ll end up back on all fours. Make sure to have all guests who enter your home follow the same routine as you are “in training” with Fido. Do not let him get his paws on you!

If he jumped too quickly, and you were unable to turn away from him, just turn and walk away. By pushing him away, or getting excitable/frustrated, he may think, “Yay! They’re playing with me!” Just ignore him, you need not say anything.
In both scenarios, once Fido has all fours on the ground, tell him to “sit.” When he sits, immediately reward him with lots of love and pets. You can squat down to his level, and let him lick your face there! Fido will soon learn that sitting means attention and affection. And by teaching him an alternative behavior, the one you want to encourage him to do, he will soon be encouraged not to jump.

In addition to teaching him to “sit” for affection, many trainers also suggest other alternatives to jumping. There are many ways to implement positive reinforcement to eliminate jumping up.

As mentioned earlier, always remain calm and confident. Training your dog will prove to be much more of a pleasant experience, and will be far more effective, quicker, if you refrain from frustration and anger.

When you come home from being out, do not go crazy over seeing Fido. Walk in calmly, and ignore him for a few moments. This will teach him that someone entering the home does not equal excitement (and jumping). When he is sitting, say hello and pet him. Again, encouraging the sitting behavior and letting him know that greetings are done at this level, they are not done by jumping up to reach the person’s level.

Another useful tool is the “off” command. This can be used for other behaviors aside from jumping, also. You can tell the dog “off” when he jumps up on the counter, the couch, and so forth. You can add this in while blocking your body and turning away from him. Just say it once, in a firm but calm manner. As soon as Fido gets “off” and sits, reward him with lots of praise or a treat. Again, make sure that everyone entering your house practices the same commands or techniques as you do to ensure consistency.

Other trainers promote “sitting” instead of jumping by offering rewards at the dog’s level when people enter the home (or in any situation where you know Fido loves to jump up). Ding Dong! The doorbell rings, and Fido comes a-running. He is excited, tail-wagging. Now imagine, as soon as the door opened, some one held out a treat at his eye level. Would Fido still jump? Doubtful. He’d probably be busy enjoying his yummy snack. If you would like to practice this training tool, keep a treat closed in your hand, with your hand at your side all the way down to Fido’s level. At first, let him take the treat right away. Once he gets the hang of it, and stops jumping up to greet people (because now, the good stuffs on his level!) you can begin closing your fist so he cannot get the treat. Eventually he will learn to sit down, or back away because he cannot get it out of your hand. Once he sits, reward him with the treat immediately and praise him. This is another way to encourage him to sit down instead of jumping up.

Whichever technique you choose, remember to be consistent and allow several weeks to decide if the behavior is improving. A jumping dog can be scary for children and even for people who may be fearful of dogs. You can be an advocate for dogs by showing everyone how well-trained and lovable they can be!

As with all training, each dog is an individual and may require more or less training, and the use of different techniques. If you are still experiencing jumping after several weeks of consistent training, seek out a professional trainer in your area. The hands-on training may be just what you need to curb Fido’s jumping.

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

KUSI Pet Holiday Travel with Pet Safety Lady

It's the holidays and you are probably planning trips or spending time driving to relatives for celebrations. We seem to always remember to buckle our seatbelts and to drive safely but what about keeping our pets safe while riding in the car?

Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Program is getting the word out about their doggy seatbelts and pet safety kits. Joining KUSI's David Davis and KUSI'a car expert Dave Stall was Christina, the Pet Safety Lady with Bark Buckle Up to show us how to travel safely with your pets.

WATCH THE FULL TV
MORNING NEWS SEGMENT
HERE: KUSI

2011 Subaru Tribeca "Madison and the Dogs Dig the Subaru"

• Ruff Rider Roadie Dog Travel Harness
• Green Doggie Bags (ECO friendly)
• SleepyPod: Small pet carrier, bed and carseat all in one
• BambooPet waste shovel & scooper
• Sturdi Products:Pets Carriers: Car-GO, SturdiBage and the StrudiTote
• PoopPAC: BAG IT - PAC IT - TRASH IT
• PetBuckle: Tether to secure crates, carriers and travel harness

About: Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter; Pet Safety Lady works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations and impressions in one year plus Christina has directed, produced several pet safety PSAs and created Be Smart Ride Safe to spread the message, take the pledge Buckle UP the whole family.

Dave Stall is a 30-year car industry professional. He's an experienced service and parts director, supporting all import and domestic automobile manufacturers. Dave also taught an automotive consumer class at San Diego City College for 13 years.
His goal was to educate the public in dealing with the "ins and outs" of the automotive industry. Currently, he writes for the North County Times, the East Californian and also does a consumer and road test show on KUSI News. And if that's not enough, he hosts a car club show on wsradio.ws on the Internet! Dave presents the material in a straightforward approach, while sharing their listener's enthusiasm for cars and driving.