Pet Safety during the Holidays

Take care of your pets this holiday season by celebrating safely. Here are some things to keep in mind.

With all the hectic planning for the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the season and forget to take proper precautions with your animal companions. There are a lot of hazards and opportunities for accidents during the holidays for pets, so here are some things to keep in mind while planning your festivities. Though many of us already have a lot on our plates this time of year, taking these precautions can save you anxiety and trouble down the line, and keep your whole family happy.

Decoration Hazards

Keep dangling ornaments, tinsel, swag and ropings out of reach of pets. Some pets are more curious than others, but it’s best to be overly cautious when using anything that could be a choking hazard or poisonous if ingested. Berries on wreaths and branches can be toxic to dogs and cats, as well as poinsettia plants. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something poisonous, or if they’re displaying symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, call your vet immediately.

If candles are your thing, please be extra cautious when placing them in areas your pets frequent. Use candle holders or lanterns to shield the candle from anything a pet may knock over or move around, like curtains, lamps, and table ornaments.

Of course, any pet owner with a fireplace knows about fireplace safety. Be mindful of treated fireplace logs and kindling materials, as these can be toxic to pets as well.

Christmas Tree Safety

Pets and Christmas trees don’t always mix - make sure to acclimate your dogs and cats to it before loading the tree with ornaments and fragile items. It also helps to set your tree away from furniture your pets could climb onto and get access to the tree. Leave the very bottom branches free of lights and breakable ornaments, just in case your pets get a little too curious. The electric cord could pose a serious risk to a pet if they get tangled or try to bite into the cord.

Don’t let your pets drink the water in the tree base ( a tree skirt helps with this!) or chew on the branches or fallen needles. They can’t digest the leaves, so save your pet a bellyache and sweep ‘em as you see ’em.

Holiday Foods and Pets

It might be hard to resist, but it’s not a great idea to feed table scraps to your pets. Cooked bones can splinter easily and cause injuries. Heavily seasoned and salted food can also make your pets sick. Pets are allergic to many ingredients common to our holiday table such as nuts, garlic, onions, citrus fruits and seeds, as well as grapes and raisins. Do not feed dogs chocolate, alcohol, or anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol. These ingredients can be fatal to dogs in any amount!

If you’re having company for the holidays, make sure your guests know not to sneak your pets scraps from their plates. This way, everyone can be proud that they’re taking good care of your animals, and you can enjoy your party without worry.

On a related note, keep your trash cans closed and trash bags out of reach from your pets. You can’t keep your eyes on them at all times, so give yourself the peace of mind by storing leftovers and scraps well away from nosy paws.

Celebrating with your Pets

If you’ll be traveling, be mindful of the stress that travel can create for animals when they’re being transported. Whether it’s a long car ride or a journey by plane, make sure they’re comfortable, stimulated, and not exposed to the elements for an unsafe amount of time. When you get to your destination, figure out where you can take your pets in case of an emergency.

Large gatherings of people can also create a stressful situation for your pets. You know them better than anyone, and if you think they’ll be frightened or overstimulated by a big family gathering, make sure to give them a quiet spot that they can go to if they need some rest. If your dog will be meeting other animals during the holidays, do your best to arrange a meeting before the party starts just to acclimate the animals to one another without the added excitement. Taking dogs on a nice long walk before festivities helps them get their energy out so they don’t go overboard greeting all the people they’ll meet. Feed them a hearty meal before the humans sit down to eat so they don’t feel left out! That might not stop them from begging, but it’ll be easier to say no to their puppy-dog eyes.

We hope these tips help you plan for a healthy and happy season for you and your furry friends.

Safe travels, Happy Holidays, and best wishes to all!