The Gift of Safety: Protecting Your Pets During the Holidays
A great strategy to prepa
re for and get through the holidays is to create lists. Between the grocery list, the gift-giving list, the thank you note list, and the never-ending list of seasonal chores, this organizational method can save your sanity and prevent the social fallout that may stem from forgetfulness. Importantly, a list of possible threats to pet safety can prevent a pet emergency this time of year. With so much to look forward to during the holiday season, it is essential to keep a pet safe from harm.
Staying On Track
The holidays lead to a spike of accidental injuries and illnesses, in part because everything’s upside down (as far as pets are concerned). A pet’s space is suddenly cramped by extra people and decorations. What’s worse, their daily routine is all but upended in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years.
It might not seem like much, but pets depend on anticipating certain events, such as meals, bathroom breaks, and exercise times. Even slight variations can cause stress, fear, distrust, and anxiety. The cornerstone of holiday pet safety is keeping up with their daily routine as much as possible. Adding extra time to their workouts can alleviate holiday-related behavioral concerns.
Toxic Foods
What would the holiday season be without festive foods? It’s not lost on our pets that the holidays supply an abundance of indulgent, calorie-rich foods and drinks. Please be sure that your pet cannot sneak anything from tables, countertops, or trash cans, and request that guests never feed your pet. The following holiday foods cause the most damage to pet health and safety:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Grapes or raisins
- Uncooked bread dough
- Poultry skin or bones
- Rich or fatty foods, such as gravy or butter
- Xylitol
- Onions and garlic
Pet poisonings, cases of pancreatitis, and GI obstructions are unfortunately common during the holidays. Supervise your pet closely and seek emergency care if you know or suspect they ate something dangerous.
Holiday Decorations
The Christmas tree creates some obvious hazards to pet safety. For starters, many pets cannot resist jumping on or climbing up the tree. This can knock glass ornaments to the ground, risking cuts or abrasions to a pet’s paws. Also, the water in the tree stand can be full of chemicals leaching out from the trunk, including pesticides and insecticides. Covering the top of the tree stand can deter pets from taking a drink.
Holiday toxic plants include poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and lilies. If you choose to decorate the home with these, be certain that your pet cannot ever get close enough to smell or eat them.
Other Holiday Hazards
We encourage owners to take an inventory of holiday decorations and imagine how a pet might interact with any of the following risks to holiday pet safety:
- Tinsel, bows, or ribbon
- String lights and electric cords
- Snow globes
- Candles
- Simmering potpourri
When you see the home from your pet’s perspective, you can prevent lots of possible injuries and illnesses. If we can help you this holiday season, please call us at (404) 907‑1404. Trusted Friend Animal Clinic is always here for your pet.