4 Holiday Pet Hazards And Tips To Avoid Them

Holiday seasons present new experiences and environments for our pets. We may travel or visit family with them in hopes of making happy memories, but unforeseen hazards surround these animals during this time. As pet parents, we are responsible for ensuring that we keep our pets safe and healthy during this time.  Here are some hazards to look out for and tips to help you enjoy the holidays with your pets.

 

Christmas Décor 

Some decorations can be so appealing that we may not notice how they could harm our pets. Here are some of the most hazardous items:

• Christmas trees: If not mounted well, the tree could fall when your furry friend decides to explore it.
• Christmas tree lights. Cats or dogs can be injured from biting on the lighting cable. 
• Glass ornaments: Christmas balls easily fall and break when our furry friends decide to pounce on them. The shattered glass could hurt tender paws.
• Tinsel: When ingested, it can cause a blockage in the digestive system making your pet very sick.
• Candles: Candles can be knocked over, causing burns on your pet or a house fire. 

To avoid these hazards, ensure that any electric cables are tucked away from reach. Also, tinsel and candles should be placed out of pouncing range. If glass ornaments have to be hung, ensure they are tightly secured to keep them from falling.

 

Food Hazards

Don't leave leftover food sitting on counters or countertops for any longer than 24 hours, even if it's cooked—it could still be contaminated with bacteria. Food poisoning is one of the most common risks for dogs and cats during this time of year. Here are some tips to keep your pet healthy and safe from food poisoning.

• Avoid feeding your pet table food seasoned with herbs. i.e., Garlic and onions. Garlic, onions and chives are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause kidney failure. 
• Keep chocolate out of reach from your pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic substance that can cause severe health problems to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.
• Do not feed your pets any raw or undercooked meat products. Even if you think it looks or smells fine, you can never be too careful about it.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of healthy treats and water. If you leave your pet alone for any length of time during the holidays, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and treats.

 

Holiday Plants

Many of us are tempted to decorate our homes with the poinsettias, holly and mistletoe that appear at this time of year. But these plants can be dangerous for pets if accidentally eaten. Although all cases are not alike, these plants can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe gastrointestinal disorders even heart failure in extreme cases.

If you’re a pet lover, why not choose artificial flowers for your Christmas table? You can find some beautiful decorations at your local craft store or online. They are quite affordable, and they won’t cause any harm to your pets. 

 

Provide A Quiet Space

Pets may be more nervous than usual during the holidays, and they may experience separation anxiety if you're not around. You can train your pet before the holidays to be familiar with a particular room for serenity. One of the most effective ways is to feed pets in that space. This proactive approach will ensure your pet stays comfortable throughout the holiday season.