Welcome to a new section of our website, where each month we will be posting a helpful education piece about pets! This is to help all those pet parents out there be the best caretakers they can possibly be for their fur-babies. We know how much you love your pets, and we hope this is helpful to you!
Our first topic is how to keep your pets safe during the winter holidays. You wouldn’t think Thanksgiving and Christmas could be dangerous to animals, but there are some things pet parents should be watching out for!
During the holidays, pets may face unique challenges and risks due to holiday gatherings and even decorations around the house. Here are some great tips and information to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being during the holiday season!
Handling Pet Excitement:
- Keep your pets inside during cold weather and provide plenty of toys to keep them occupied. Just as excessive heat can become harmful for animals, so can the cold!
- Consider providing a quiet room or crate for your cat or dog during holiday parties to reduce stress and discourage excessive barking.
- Inform your visitors ahead of time that you have a pet to ensure they are considerate of your pet’s needs.
Avoid Feeding Harmful Foods:
- We know it’s tempting, but skip feeding your pets table scraps, especially the following toxic foods:
- Bones (can splinter and cause serious health problems).
- Candy (especially chocolate and products containing Xylitol).
- Chives, citrus fruits, and pits (can cause irritations and health issues).
- Coffee, eggs (raw or undercooked), fish (raw or undercooked), garlic, grapes, raisins, leaves, stems, meat (raw or undercooked), nuts, onions, and salt.
- Keep trash securely sealed to prevent pets from accessing potentially poisonous foods.
Holiday Decorations and Pets:
- Ensure your pets do not chew on Christmas trees or holiday greens, as ingested pine needles can be harmful.
- Be cautious of the water base in Christmas tree stands, which may contain chemicals harmful to pets.
- Position Christmas lights and tinsel out of reach from pets to prevent chewing and knocking over trees.
- Do not leave candles unattended, as pets may knock them over and cause fires.
- Avoid firestarter logs if your dog enjoys chewing, as they can be harmful when ingested.
- Be mindful of poisonous plants like ivy, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias.
Holiday Travel and Pets:
- Carefully consider whether to take your pet with you on a trip, especially by air travel, which can be dangerous for pets.
- If leaving pets at home while traveling, choose a responsible pet sitter or boarding kennel.
- Ensure that your pets wear collars and tags with identification that provides a way to reach you.
In Case of Emergency:
- Identify the closest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before an emergency occurs.
- Write down or store in your phone the number for your regular veterinarian or pet hospital.
- Research and note the holiday hours of your pet hospital or clinic.
- Keep the number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) in your phone in case of accidental poison ingestion. Note that a consultation fee may apply.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for both your pets and your guests. The winter holidays are meant to be a time of joy and love while celebrating with your family, and what are our pets if not part of our family?
Happy Holidays!