The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for pet owners, it can also be a time of potential hazards for our furry friends. Holiday pet safety is important to consider when preparing for the holidays. Decorations, food, and increased activity in the home can pose risks to pets if precautions aren’t taken. To ensure your holidays remain festive and safe, follow these tips for keeping your furry friends safe and happy.
Deck the Halls, but Mind the Decor
Holiday decorations add cheer to your home but can be dangerous for curious pets. Some materials can be toxic or choking hazards to our furry friends. Things like Christmas trees must be kept secure to prevent tipping—pets, like cats, like to climb trees, while dogs may bump into them during play. Avoid using fragile ornaments on lower branches, and hang them out of reach. Tinsels and ribbons are shiny and pretty decorations but can cause blockages in the intestines, leading to choking or gastrointestinal issues. Lighting is huge for the holiday season, but remember to keep wires out of reach and consider using cord protectors, as some pets can chew on wires and become burned or electrocuted.
Similarly, if left unattended, candles are a fire hazard; excited pets can knock them off. Lastly, specific plants should be avoided during the holiday season, and artificial plants can take their place. Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and lilies are toxic to pets and artificial versions offer a similar look with less worry on your part.
Festive Foods: What’s Safe and What’s Not
The holidays are synonymous with indulgent meals and treats, but many foods we enjoy are harmful to pets. Dangerous pet foods include chocolate, which contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and onions, garlic, and chives are harmful to a pet’s red blood cells. A prominent ingredient to avoid giving to pets is alcohol, and less obvious is an ingredient called xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener that can be deadly to pets if ingested. Other foods to avoid giving to your pets this holiday season are cooked bones, which can splinter easily and can cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages. Fatty foods, which can lead to pancreatitis in dogs and upset stomachs in cats, should also be avoided. To be safe, stick to pet-friendly treats and avoid feeding them from the table to reduce the risk of bad habits and overeating.
Keep Your Pets Calm Amid the Chaos
Holidays often mean visitors, loud noises, and changes in routine, which can be stressful for pets. Be sure to create a safe, quiet, comfortable area where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Include their favorite toys, a cozy bed, and access to water. Be sure to keep an eye on the door if guests are coming and going. If doors are left open, it increases the risk of pets escaping. Ensure your pet has proper ID tags and is microchipped in case they wander off. Lastly, please stick to your routine before the guests arrive so your pet can feel more at ease and reduce their anxiety and energy when company comes.
Watch for Holiday Hazards
Be mindful of some less apparent risks during the holidays. This includes things like wrapping paper and gifts. Strings, bows, and small parts from toys or packaging can be choking hazards. Popular decorations, such as snow globes, should be kept out of reach as many contain ethylene glycol (antifreeze), which is highly toxic if ingested. Additionally, keep trash cans out of sight or securely closed. With all the holiday goods and leftovers, pets can get tempted to raid the garbage, exposing them to harmful foods or materials.
Fireworks and New Year’s Celebrations
Fireworks can be particularly frightening for pets. In order to prepare for fireworks, you can use noise reduction methods. Playing calming music or using white noise machines to help drown out loud sounds. Calming aids are another method to relax your pet. Anxiety wraps can be purchased in stores or online to comfort your anxious pet. Whichever calming methods you use to soothe your pet from fireworks, secure your home so that escape is always prevented.
Holiday Help Is Here
By following these tips on keeping your pets safe and happy, you can ensure you have peace of mind this holiday season. Taking the proper precautions allows you to enjoy a stress-free holiday season while keeping your furry family members safe. With some planning, your holidays can be as joyful for your pets as they are for you!
For more tips or to learn about our professional pet services, contact ApronSpings Pet Sitting! Happy Holidays!
