Veterinarian's Guide to Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Season
The holidays-they can really be an ecstatic time, full of good food, decorations, and parties with the family. While we as humans are probably enjoying all that holiday cheer, this season poses unknown dangers for our pets. Here are some vital tips on how to keep your pets safe: Here is a vet-approved guide so that your pets stay safe, happy, and healthy this season.
- Don't Give Your Pet Table Scraps Either
Holiday feasts and celebrations come with a slew of high-calorie, tasty dishes. It is quite tempting to steal a few bites for our pets. But Dr. Harrison warns you about that too. Human foods are often very rough on a pet's stomach, which results in what the vet calls "garbage gut." Some of the most toxic foods for dogs and cats would include garlic, onions, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and yeasted dough. The symptoms of all of these can be from vomiting and diarrhea to worse. Be extremely careful about the sugar-free candies with xylitol; even the smallest amount can cause liver failure in animals. The safest way around health issues is sticking to their regular diet that the vet has cleared.
Holiday Tip: Want treats for your pet? Holiday-themed treats for pets are made with your pet in mind. Many local pet stores are carrying safe seasonal treats around this time of year!
- Keep Bones Away From Pets
While it might feel instinctive to provide your pet with a bone to chew on after a holiday dinner, bones from ham, turkey, or chicken are hazardous. According to Dr. Harrison, bones have a tendency to splinter in some situations and may cause obstructions or punctures into the stomach or intestines, leading to further complications. In some instances, pets may even get bones lodged inside their mouths, causing further fractures to the jaw.
Holiday Tip: Give your pet healthy chew toys instead! New brands are now manufacturing very strong toys that will be acceptable to a dog's need to chew, but they do this without posing a health risk.
- Be Careful About Candles
Candles provide warmth and offer a coze feel to the surroundings, but with animals around, they can be dangerous as well. Dr. Harrison suggests some places where candles cannot be touched by inquisitive cats and dogs can easily upturn the candle. Cats will find some smells and get burned on their whiskers or paws.
Holiday Tip: Use flameless LED candles for a warm, flickering glow without the fire danger. They are safe, pet-friendly, and reusable!
- Store Tinsel, Ribbons, and String Safely
Tinsel, ribbon, and string used as decorations during holidays are particularly likely to be mistaken as toys by inquisitive pets especially your cat. According to Dr. Harrison, with their ingestion comes the very real threat of some of the most severe injuries in the intestine that could lead to blockage and need to be operated in emergency. Store gift wraps in a safe place and when you see your pet playing with it divert him or her to play with a toy.
Holiday Tip: Substitute string or tinsel with pet-safe garlands or ribbons that are not as likely to cause problems if ingested.
- Keep Small Toys Out of Paws' Reach
Small toys and decorations, as well as many very small objects, are hazardous to be swallowed since they can easily become a choking hazard. According to Dr. Harrison, pet owners should clear the floors of small, easily bitten things, especially in homes that have children within three years of age, who will often leave small parts of toys out for the pets. These small parts can cause obstruction or even internal damage if swallowed.
Holiday Tip: Assign cleaning up of toys at the end of a play session to children. This teaches them responsibility and keeps your pets safe.
- Pet Zone Calm
With the holidays comes noise, faces, and chaos, all of which can be stressful to pets. According to Dr. Harrison, create a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat. Maintain routines, such as feedings and playtime, to keep things seemingly normal. A calm room or cozy bed in a quiet area can be an oasis to a pet that needs a break.
Holiday Tip: If available, include familiar blankets or toys in your pet's safe space. Scents of home can be very comforting to them.
- Keep An Eye On Real Tree Water And Falling Needles
If you have a live Christmas tree, be wary of dropping pine needles and the bowl of water beneath it. According to Dr. Harrison, chemicals often added to the tree's water prolong the freshness of the tree. These chemicals can poison your pets if ingested, in addition to scratching their paws on pine needles as they lie scattered about.
Holiday Tip: Keep pets away from the tree water by putting a tree skirt over the bowl or creating a barrier around the base of the tree.
- Hang Ornaments High on the Tree
These ornaments are pretty, but to a curious pet, they may seem like irresistible toys. As Dr. Harrison says, "Hanging ornaments higher up may avoid attracting playful swipes from both cats and dogs." Installing decorations on lower branches is an easy-access point for pets to break or chew them, which may even cause injuries or blockage if swallowed.
Holiday Tip: Use shatterproof ornaments or decorations that won't harm pets if they do fall or break.
- Avoid Placing Edible Gift Items Under The Tree
Some pets have an extremely sensitive nose, so they can often smell the treats inside a gift even when covered by wrapping paper. As pointed out by Dr. Harrison, placing edible gifts under the tree could prove to be begging for trouble since a pet may unwrap some of the presents first. Keep food gifts on high or in secure spots until it is time to open them.
Holiday Tip: If someone gives you a gift basket or edible treat, stash it in the pantry or on a high shelf to protect curious noses.
- Out of Reach: Toxic Holiday Plants
Some of the holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to pets. Dr. Harrison says place them out of reach or better alternatives that are pet friendly. Pine needles can be very fatal if ingested as they could irritate or block a pet's intestines. It is therefore wise to know which plants are harmful and place them out of the way securely.
Holiday Tip: Silk or plastic versions of these holiday plants are a safe, festive alternative, giving you the holiday look without the risk.
- Talk to Your Vet Before Traveling
If you are traveling over the holidays with your pet, a quick check-in with the veterinarian can be highly worth your time. According to Dr. Harrison, discuss any travels you're planning; if your pet is particularly sensitive to changes in routine. Your vet can also assist in prescribing any necessary medication and provide you with extra comfort items to make travel a little easier.
Holiday Tip: Pack a travel kit for your pet so that it feels comfortable. Fill it with items it is familiar with, such as toys, blankets, and treats.
The holidays can be merry for everyone, including your pets, with some thoughtful foresight. Consider the following tips to make this the happiest and safest season for all: Additional information on holiday pet safety can be found at Banfield Pet Hospital's podcast, Whisker Wonderland: Safe Holiday Guide for Pets, featuring Dr. Saskia Bogman as she talks about additional safety measures that will keep your pets safe, calm, and healthy throughout the holidays.
