The holidays can be fun for everyone, even the four-legged members of our families, but they can also pose risks. Here are some holiday hazards to watch out for as you include your furry friends in the festivities:
Trees and ornaments: If ingested, pine needles, tree water, and glass ornaments can give cats and dogs quite a tummy ache. Consider an artificial tree with shatterproof ornaments. Consider pet-safe crafts like cardboard snowmen or paper origami creations to decorate your home. Alternatively, you could close off the family room with a pet gate.
Holiday lights: Cats and dogs love to chew on cords, but that can result in serious injury, such as electrical shock. As you put lights around your tree or outside your home, be sure to take such precautions as tucking them away, placing them out of reach, wrapping them in tape, or applying a chewing deterrent.
Human treats: Keep any holiday snacks, especially those of the chocolate variety, out of reach. Make sure they’re wrapped or boxed up in cabinets or out of reach. Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. Don’t feed them the fatty meats typically associated with the holidays either. No scraps of ham from the dinner table! These foods often cause stomach upset.
Holiday plants: While poinsettias are much less toxic to pets, mistletoe can be deadly if they eat it. But even non-toxic plants can cause choking, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. It’s best to use alternative decorations or at least keep plants in hard-to-reach areas.
Family gathering areas: Having family gathered around the tree in the living room can be overwhelming for pets. As the holidays approach, give your pets a space of their own. Maybe set up a guest room with their bed, food and water bowls, and litter box. You don’t have to completely isolate them but allowing them a quiet place to go amid the holiday hustle and bustle can help alleviate their anxiety and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
Pet ID: Pets could go missing in the flurry of festive activities. So, you might want to make sure their microchip or collar tag is up to date with all the necessary information to get them home safe and sound.
For more information on how to keep your pets safe this holiday season, call us at (402) 334-5975.
