Holidays are just around the corner, and we’re all looking forward to well-deserved breaks. Certainly your pets are looking forward to spending more time with you – aren’t you the center of their world? With holiday stress, however, comes the opportunity for slip-ups, so take extra steps to make sure your furry friends stay safe this holiday season. Here are some handy tips for ensuring both your pets and your festivities survive happily intact.
Décor Disasters
Candles: It may go without saying, but never leave lighted candles unattended. Always keep candles in sturdy holders on stable surfaces, and don’t allow your pets near them. Prevention is the best cure.
Christmas trees: Avoid hanging low ornaments, and, if possible, avoid hanging breakable ornaments at all; you don’t want to risk them breaking, or shards of them getting stuck in your pet. Anchor the tree well, so it can’t be toppled over onto your pets. And, if it’s a real tree, use a cover to keep your pet from drinking water from the container; poisonous fertilizers and bacteria build up there and can make your pet quite ill.
Poisonous plants: Lilies, mistletoe, and holly are quite poisonous to pets. Unfortunately, they’re also quite attractive to them, especially for cats, who love to nibble at greenery. To avoid having to rush to the vet, steer clear of these and instead stick with artificial greenery or seek out plants that are pet-safe.
Tinsel: An iconic Christmas decoration that is especially dangerous to cats, who are enticed to play with, suck on, and eat the tinsel – and then end up at the vet’s with an intestinal blockage that requires surgical removal. Skip the tinsel this year to save your pet and yourself potential grief.
Food Frenzy
Sweet and spicy: People-food is hazardous to pets; they can’t digest it well which causes them to develop upset stomachs, at best. If chocolate, candies, or heavily processed foods are involved, then your pet may become even sicker, so keep a lid on human food and stick with pet treats instead.
Alcohol: You may love it, but not if it puts your pet in the hospital. Alcohol is poisonous to them, and could send them into a coma or kill them. Never leave a drink unattended where your pet could reach it – though, of course, you should never leave a drink unattended for any reason, as harm could come to you as well.
Security Secrets
Closed doors: Ensure all doors to the outside are kept shut, and that your guests are mindful of preventing pets from escaping.
Safe spaces: Provide your pet a sanctuary from the hubbub in a safe room where they can have food, water, a bed, and peace and quiet – not every animal is a party animal.
Explosive surprises: Fireworks, party poppers, and confetti are all dangerous and frightening to pets, so keep the festivities and your furry friend separate.
Vet number: Have an emergency vet contact on hand if needed, especially if your primary veterinarian will be out for the holidays.
Extra love: Make sure to give your pet some extra love and attention so that they don’t feel ignored while you’re busy with friends and family.
Parting Party-Advice
It’s not hard to ensure the safety of your pets during the holidays; it simply takes a little extra vigilance, which goes a long way. Take care, and they’ll thank you for looking out for them. Pets don’t always know what’s best for them, but, if you stay informed and alert, you can prevent your holiday from hitting havoc, and instead enjoy a blissful break with your furry friends.
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