Holiday Safety Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe

The holiday season is full of fun, food, and festivities, but it can also pose risks to your pets. Here are some essential holiday safety tips to keep your furry friends safe and healthy during this time of year:

1. Watch Out for Holiday Foods

• Avoid Toxic Foods: Many holiday foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and certain nuts (like macadamia) are toxic to pets. Keep these out of their reach.
• Be Mindful of Fatty Foods: Rich and fatty foods, such as turkey skin or ham, can upset your pet’s stomach and lead to pancreatitis.
• Bones: Never give pets cooked bones from meats as they can splinter and cause choking or digestive issues.

2. Keep Decorations Pet-Friendly

• Avoid Toxic Plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to pets if ingested. Opt for pet-safe alternatives.
• Secure Tree Ornaments: Place ornaments higher up on your Christmas tree to avoid pets knocking them off. Glass ornaments can break and pose a danger if chewed.
• Avoid Tinsel and Ribbon: These can be especially dangerous if swallowed. If ingested, they can cause intestinal blockages.

3. Watch Out for Candles and Lights

• Candle Safety: Pets, especially cats and dogs, may knock over lit candles, creating a fire hazard. Use flameless candles instead.
• Electrical Cords: Pets, particularly puppies and kittens, are likely to chew on electrical cords. Hide or cover them to prevent shocks or burns.

4. Limit Access to Alcohol

• Alcohol is toxic to pets, so keep any holiday drinks, including eggnog, out of reach. Be cautious with unattended cups or glasses, as even small amounts can be harmful.

5. Mind Your Pet’s Stress Levels

• Holiday Parties: The holiday season often means gatherings, loud noises, and new people. This can be stressful for some pets. Create a safe, quiet space for them to retreat to if needed.
• Travel Stress: If you’re traveling with your pet, ensure they are comfortable and have everything they need, including food, water, and bedding.

6. Keep Wrapping Paper and Small Objects Out of Reach

• Wrapping paper, ribbons, and small decorations can be dangerous if ingested. Pets may be drawn to play with or chew on them. Supervise pets around wrapping materials and small toys.

7. Monitor Your Pet’s Behavior

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Loud noises from fireworks can frighten pets and lead to anxiety or panic. Keep pets inside during fireworks displays or use calming products if necessary.
• Monitor Toys and Gifts: Check toys for small parts that could become a choking hazard, and be mindful of any packaging materials like plastic ties that can entangle or be ingested.

8. Ensure Pet Identification

• ID Tags and Microchips: During holiday travels or parties, ensure your pet’s identification information is up to date. Microchips and ID tags are essential in case they get lost.

9. Maintain Their Regular Routine

• Even though the holidays are a busy time, try to maintain your pet’s usual feeding and exercise routine to keep them comfortable.

10. Keep Your Pet’s Medications Safe

• If your pet is on medication, ensure that it’s out of reach of guests or children who might accidentally ingest it.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your pets have a happy and safe holiday season!