The holidays are full of food, fun, and family, but the festivities can also pose some serious hazards for your pet. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the season, and amidst the chaos, some unexpected dangers can slip through the cracks. As you cook, eat, and decorate for the holidays, keep these safety tips in mind for the health and wellbeing of your furry family members. After all, they help make every day of the year merry and bright!
1. Tinsel & Ribbons
These embellishments are pretty, but if you have a pet that loves to swat at shiny, fluttery objects (we’re looking at you, Kitty!), it might be best to skip the stuff. What’s worse, if your curious companion decide to give it a taste, it could pose a serious choking hazard or get stuck in their digestive system.
2. Ornaments
Glass ornaments can be broken, leaving sharp shards on the floor. If this might be the case, consider using plastic baubles in case they’re knocked off by batting paws or wagging tails. Another thing to consider — especially if you have a habitual chewer — is blocking off the tree with a gate or keeping it in a separate room and closing the door when you’re not home.
3. Candles
Lit candles can be a hazard when things get hectic, and this is especially true when you have a house full of guests and furry friends around the decor. Make sure to keep open flames out of snout’s reach, or better yet, opt for some realistic-looking fake candles to safely create ambiance.
4. Holiday Foods
There are lots of traditional holiday dishes that we can safely share with our pets — and lots that we can’t! Refrain from feeding them foods filled with salt, fat, and butter, and most importantly, keep them far away from foods that are downright toxic, like chocolate, alcohol, grapes, macadamia nuts, and xylitol (and artificial sweetener). Consuming too much of these things can actually be fatal for dogs and cats.
5. Plants
Pet parents who love natural greenery should be aware that some houseplants can actually be toxic for animals, including popular holiday plants. Poinsettia can cause stomach upset, while the effects of mistletoe and holly can be even more severe. What’s more, lilies are absolutely deadly to cats, even if they just take a sip from the water in the vase. Consider using fake versions, and if you receive any as gifts, keep them out of your pet’s reach or give them to someone else in need of holiday cheer.
6. Christmas Trees
Cats are notorious for playing in and around Christmas trees, and mischievous dogs have been known to bump the branches, too. And if the whole thing tips over? Well, that can cause a huge problem. Make sure your tree is secure in its base, and create a barrier to keep your pet away when you’re not there to supervise. For inspiration, check out these genius ideas to keep your tree — and most importantly, your pet — safe.
7. Wires
All those festive lights mean extra hanging wires, which can pose a choking or strangling hazard to pets. Make sure that everything is safely bound or tucked away so your pet doesn’t get into a dangerous situation.
8. Guests
It’s fun having guests visit, but all that coming and going can make it easy for your companion to slip out the door. If this is a concern, try putting up a barrier to keep your pet inside. Skittish dogs and cats may be happier in a quiet room that’s away from the commotion, complete with blankets, toys, water, and soothing background music. And to be on the safe side, make sure they’re wearing some ID, just in case. Make sure to always keep the numbers of your local vet, emergency vet, and the ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 handy.