The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also present numerous hazards to our furry friends. From festive decorations to holiday feasts, what brings joy to humans can sometimes be dangerous to pets. As your trusted local vet serving the Clarksville and Nashville areas, we’re here to provide you with comprehensive guidance on keeping your pets safe during the holidays.
Decorations: Beautiful but Potentially Dangerous
Christmas Trees and Pets
While Christmas trees are a quintessential part of holiday decor, they can pose several risks to pets:
- Stability: Ensure your tree is securely anchored so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to pets.
- Water: Keep pets away from the tree stand. Stagnant tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and it may contain fertilizers that can upset your pet’s stomach.
Lights and Electrical Cords
Electrical cords for holiday lighting can attract curious pets that might chew on them, leading to electrical shock:
- Safety Covers: Use cord protectors to cover wires, deterring pets from chewing.
- Placement: Keep wires out of reach or hidden to prevent pets from accessing them.
Ornaments
Ornaments can be mistaken for toys by pets, potentially leading to ingestion or injury:
- Non-Toxic Materials: Choose decorations that are made of safe, non-breakable materials.
- Placement: Place delicate and potentially dangerous ornaments out of reach of pets.
Holiday Foods That Can Harm Your Pet
The holiday season often involves foods that can be toxic to pets. Here’s what to avoid:
Chocolate and Caffeine
These are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause various health issues from digestive disturbances to seizures.
Xylitol
This sweetener found in candy, gum, and some baked goods can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia in pets.
Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage in pets.
Grapes and Raisins
Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Tip: Always keep holiday sweets and baked goods out of reach of pets and ensure your guests do the same.
Hosting Guests and Party Safety
Creating a Safe Space
The hustle and bustle of holiday guests may overwhelm pets:
- Quiet Room: Set up a quiet, comfortable space in your home where your pet can retreat from the noise and stress of holiday gatherings.
Watch the Doors
With guests arriving and departing, there’s an increased risk of pets escaping:
Reminders: Ask guests to be mindful of pets near doorways and consider setting up baby gates as a precaution.
New Year’s Eve and Fireworks
Fireworks can be terrifying for pets, leading to anxiety or escape attempts:
- Calming Techniques: Consider playing white noise and making sure they have toys they enjoy to reduce your pet’s anxiety during fireworks.
- Identification: Ensure your pet’s microchip and ID tags are up-to-date in case they escape.
General Holiday Safety Tips
Plants
Many holiday plants are toxic to pets:
- Poinsettias: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing nausea or vomiting.
- Holly and Mistletoe: Highly toxic, can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular issues.
Candles
Keep lit candles out of reach of pets to prevent burns or fires.
Gifts and Wrapping
Small items can be ingested by pets, leading to intestinal blockages. Keep an eye on pets when they’re around open gifts and dispose of wrapping materials immediately.
The holidays should be a fun and festive time for everyone in the family, including our pets. By taking the right precautions, you can ensure that your holiday season is safe and joyful for your furry friends. If you ever have any concerns about your pet’s health or safety, remember that Wild Things Animal Hospital, your local veterinary clinic and animal hospital, is here to help. Have a safe and happy holiday season!