The holidays can be a fun and joyous time for everyone. Keep these quick tips in mind to ensure that you and your pets have a memorable holiday season!

-          Many plants such as poinsettia’s are toxic to pets. Please keep the plants out of their reach!

-           Christmas trees are magnets for pets! Be sure not to decorate your tree too low where your dogs tail would knock off ornaments or your cat could bat off the decorations. Consider setting up a barrier between your pet and the tree. Do not underestimate their ability to cause your whole tree to fall down or spark a fire.

-          Metal tinsel if digested could provide life threatening intestinal blockage. Be sure that your decorations in your four legged loved ones reach are pet friendly!

-          Cords from lights and other decorations can be chewed by cats, dogs, rabbits, and other pets. Be sure to secure the cords to the floor with tape or stick them under the rug.

-          Some pets can get anxious or shy during the holidays because of all the extra noises, smells, and people. Be sure to allow a “quite place” in your house where they can feel comfortable during these times.

-          Just because your pet eats it, or begs for food does not mean it is good for them! To avoid a trip to the vet’s office avoid all alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee, onions, turkey, pork, salt, processed sugar, raisins, grapes, fatty foods, yeast dough and macadamia nuts and table scraps.

This information has been provided to you by Danielle Vasta, Owner of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting. Please contact her at: (480)330-4552 or www.BellasHouseAndPets.com for any of your pet sitting needs!

As I was driving around McDowell Mountain Ranch this past month, I could not but help notice the abundance of wildlife running around. It is not uncommon for me to see coyotes, rabbits, bobcats, and once even a mountain lion! As recently as this week, there was a man on the news who lost 3 of his 4 dogs to a coyote attack in his own backyard. This all got me thinking about the safety and security of your four legged loved ones and prompted me to do some research. Here is what I found from the Arizona Game and Fish Department:

• Coyotes have adapted to living in cities, suburbs and rural towns.  They live in our neighborhoods and do not just  “come down from the mountain to have a snack.”

• If one appears in your backyard or while walking your pet you should try and appear as large and as threatening as possible moving your arms and legs around.

• It is suggested that you keep a “coyote shaker” in your backyard near the door. This is a soda can with pennies or rocks in it sealed with duct tape. When shaken it makes a loud rattle and will scare a coyote off.

Discourage them from your yard by:

-eliminating any sources of food

-store garbage in a secure place

-keep bird seed and water off the ground.

- have an 8ft of higher fence. Coyotes can easily jump 6 ft.

• When outside with your pets – supervise your dog or cat at all times. Coyotes and other wildlife will not hesitate to take your pet while you are with it or even when it is on a leash. NEVER let your pet off the leash! (besides – it is a law!)

• Do not let your cat or small dog outside. Even if there is not a coyote present, owls, hawks and other wildlife have been known to prey on these types of animals.

• Having a coyote in your neighbor’s yard is the same as having one in yours. Be extra careful if there is an attack in your neighborhood. Coyotes remember and come back for more.

• Fence your garden to keep out javelina and rabbits because they serve as prey for species such as mountain lions.

• Shrubbery should be trimmed from the ground up.

This information has been provided to you by Danielle Vasta, Owner of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting. Please contact her at: (480)330-4552 or www.BellasHouseAndPets.com for any of your pet sitting needs!