Happy Howlidays: Holiday Pet-Safety Tips

Holiday pet safety tip 1: Beware of dangerous foods

No holiday gathering is complete without a festive feast, but common menu items can be harmful or toxic to pets. Fatty foods can cause stomach upset and potentially trigger a dangerous condition called pancreatitis. Many foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol, are toxic to pets and can lead to serious health complications. In addition, foreign body ingestion is a potential risk should your pet find a turkey bone or chew plastic wrap from the leftovers. Suggestions to keep your four-legged friend safe from harmful holiday foods include:

• Restricting kitchen access — Use baby gates or confine your pet to their crate during food preparation and while everyone is eating.
• Warning your guests — Politely ask your guests not to share their food with your pet, no matter how much they beg.
• Securing the trash — Place all trash in a sealed container to help prevent dumpster diving.
• Picking up discards — Remove all discarded plates and cups before your pet can sample a taste.
• Storing leftovers — Store leftovers in a closed cupboard or the refrigerator to prevent counter-surfing.

Holiday pet safety tip 2: Decorate with care

Pets are curious creatures, and they likely won’t be able to resist investigating the new holiday decor. Sparkling lights and twinkling tinsel are simply too tempting for our four-legged family members. When decking your halls, here are some considerations:

• Keep the Christmas tree water covered — Water used to hydrate the tree can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, fertilizers, and more. Keep the water covered to ensure your furry friend can’t take a drink.
• Stabilize the Christmas tree — Place the Christmas tree in a sturdy stand and secure the top to the ceiling or a nearby wall so your pet can’t knock it over.
• Hang decorations high — Hang breakable decorations higher up on the tree where your pet can’t reach.
• Forego the tinsel — Pets, especially cats, are often drawn to shiny and bright tinsel. However, if they swallow a piece, they may require surgery to remove a gastrointestinal obstruction.
• Be careful with candles — A misplaced tail swipe or curious paw can cause a burn or a fire. Ensure candles are out of your pet’s reach or opt for safe, flameless candles.
• Cover cords — Some pets like to chew on electrical cords, which can result in shock or a burn. When stringing lights and other electrical decorations, ensure all cords are well concealed.

Holiday pet safety tip 3: Be cautious with holiday plants

Many common holiday plants are harmful to pets. For example, poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can cause mild to severe stomach upset. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats, and can cause kidney failure, while amaryllis can cause vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. If you bring plants inside your home, ensure they’re out of your pet’s reach. Also, consider choosing pet-safe alternatives, such as Christmas cactus, African violet, and Phalaenopsis orchid. Always monitor your pet for poisoning signs, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet ingested a toxic plant.

Holiday pet safety tip 4: Decrease your pet’s stress

The holiday hustle and bustle can be stressful for pets, especially if they are anxiety-prone. Help keep your pet stress-free by following these tips:

• Create a pet-safe zone where your pet can escape the visitors and noise.
• Confine your pet to a quiet room in the house, with white noise to mask the holiday ruckus.
• Talk to your veterinarian about supplements or medications that may help reduce anxiety-related issues.

These holiday pet safety tips should help you and your four-legged friend enjoy a fun and safe holiday season. But, if your pet encounters a holiday hazard, don’t hesitate to contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian.