Keeping the “Happy” in the Holidays: How to Keep Pets Safe This Season
The holidays are a time for joy, warmth, (and maybe a few too many cookies,) but while we’re decking the halls, it’s important to make sure our furry family members are safe and sound, too! Between festive foods, sparkling decor, and chilly weather, there are a few sneaky hazards that can turn a merry season into a stressful one. Here are our veterinarian-approved tips to keep things holly and jolly for you and your pets!
1. Holiday Treats to Keep Out of Paw’s Reach
We know that it’s hard to say no to those sweet, soulful eyes! But many holiday favorites are anything but sweet to your pet’s stomach.
Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate) can cause vomiting, tremors, and even heart issues.
Grapes, raisins, and currants are often found in cakes and cookies, and they can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Onions, garlic, and chives (loaded up in all our favorite stuffings and sides!) are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free candy and baked goods, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and is very harmful to dogs. (Note: other common names for xylitol that you may see on food labels are birch sugar, wood sugar, birch bark extract, and it can sometimes be hidden simply as an alcohol sugar, so when in doubt, don’t let them try a bite!)
Rich or fatty foods like turkey skin, bacon, or gravy can lead to some major tummy upset or even pancreatitis.
When in doubt, keep human treats on the table and pet-safe snacks in their stockings!
2. Dangerous Decor (That’s paws-itively too sparkly to resist!)
Holiday decorations are irresistible to curious paws and whiskers. Keep an eye out for these festive hazards:
Tinsel and ribbon may shimmer beautifully on your tree, but they’re a choking and ingestion hazard to our pets that love to chew.
Holiday Plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies (especially dangerous for cats) can cause vomiting or worse if ingested or messed with.
Ornaments can fall and break, so be sure to secure them well or place them out of the reach of curious paws.
Electrical cords,or as some pets and pawrents might call them, forbidden ribbons, are a chew hazard, so if you have a notoriously mouthy pet who loves to nibble, be sure to tuck them safely out of sight.
3. Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
Cold weather brings its own set of challenges for pets, even those with fur coats.
Limit outdoor time when it’s below freezing, especially for short haired breeds, senior pets, and small pets.
Wipe their paws after walks to remove ice, salt, and sometimes harmful de-icing chemicals they may have come in contact with on their walk.
Winter gear isn’t just for us! Bundle up your best friend, too! With pet coats and waterproof boots now easy to find at your local pet store, even the chilliest walks can stay warm, dry, and full of tail wags!
Remember: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them!
4. Hosting and House Guests
Extra noise, guests, and schedule changes can stress pets out. A few small steps can make a big difference:
Create a quiet retreat where your cat or dog can relax away from all of the holiday bustle and hide away from guests if they’re feeling stressed. A cozy bed, some of their favorite toys, and some fresh water will make them feel right at home!
Keep to routines if you can like normal mealtimes and walks. Familiar patterns help pets feel secure.
Remind your guests not to share table scraps or open doors without checking for curious escape artists.
Amid the hustle and bustle, don’t forget what your pet wants the most: your time and attention (and maybe a pet friendly snack!). A walk in the park (all bundled up, of course) or a cozy evening by the fire with you will certainly brighten their holidays too!
If you have any questions about how to keep your pets safe during the holiday season, please feel free to reach out to us at BLVD Vet!
From all of us at BLVD Vet, we wish you and your furry family members a season filled with comfort, joy, and a whole lot of fun! Stay warm, stay safe, and keep those tails wagging all the way into the New Year!
