The holidays are upon us once again. While the season can leave you with a warm, fuzzy glow, it can also add many things to your life that are not good for your pets. Whether it’s tree needles that wind up in their mouths, treats that upset their stomachs, or well-meaning relatives giving table snacks, the happiest time of the year can quickly turn into a dangerous time for your four-legged friends. Today, we will discuss common holiday pet hazards and how to keep your dog or cat safe.
Plants
Traditional holiday plants such as holly and mistletoe are toxic to dogs. Moreover, yew, the evergreen that many people include in landscaping, is highly toxic. To keep your canine safe, avoid bringing clippings into your home to be used as garland unless you know the variety. Another plant that you should watch is the poinsettia. Though these are not toxic, ingesting the plant can lead to oral irritation, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.
Electric Cords
Christmas tree lights are made using skinny cords that are not well insulated and very easy for an animal to chew into. Safety is paramount as this can lead to electrocution. The best thing you can do is keep the cords covered. It’s also wise to consider leaving the bottom branches unlit. If you catch an animal chewing on the cords, unplug them immediately, and place them out of their reach.
Christmas Trees & Decor
One easy and safe way to secure the tree is to tether it to the ceiling using a plant hook and thin wire. Curious pets and dogs with happy-wagging tails will appreciate not having the tree land on them. If you have a real tree, monitoring and preventing the needles and tree water from being ingested is vital.
To alert you of a pet’s tree exploration, hang bells near the bottom. Either place special, fragile ornaments near the top or keep them in storage until your pet is older. Another excellent option is to surround your tree with an exercise pen to keep your pet away altogether.
Strings, yarn, tinsel, and other shiny, long strands are fascinating to many pets. Hence, avoid using these items in places where pets can access them. Strings of cranberries and popcorn are even more enticing, so be sure to keep these out of reach as well.
Toxic Foods
Many human foods are popular during the holidays that are unsafe for your pets. Such foods include grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and sugar-free foods containing xylitol.
Also, be wary of placing wrapped or unwrapped gifts containing food under the tree. The truth is that many holiday gifts contain cheeses and meats. These foods contain high amounts of fat and can be dangerous for animals. Furthermore, foods from the table, such as turkey and ham, contain bones that can lead to intestinal blockages. Leg holders and mesh wrappers from meats are tempting because of the smell, so be sure not to let your dog pull them from the trash.
Visitors
Though family members and friends mean well, you should still exercise caution when the family has gathered. With so much commotion it’s easy for pets to slip out the door. Also, you want to be careful if your dog is fearful because you don’t want anyone to get accidentally bitten.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, just remain aware that your pets are curious and are commonly interested in holiday decor and celebrations just like humans! Exercise caution and locate dangers before they become emergencies.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
