Six Steps to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays

Dog playing with holiday lights

Parties, festive décor and family dinners. Winter holidays are a great time to celebrate, but what effect do they have on your pets?

“The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can be stressful for pets,” said Dr. Ashley Powell, an owner of Ally Urgent Veterinary Care in Coastal Virginia. “We usually see an uptick in emergency cases of pets with digestive issues due to eating rich foods or swallowing ornaments, tinsel and string.”

To ensure that this time together is safe and enjoyable for you and your four-legged companions, Powell and her staff compiled a list of precautions you can take to keep your pets safe and cozy:

  • Pet-proof Holiday Décor: Tinsel and ornaments can be dangerous when swallowed—leading to intestinal obstruction and a trip to the ER. Consider doing without or moving such items out of your pet’s reach. You can also purchase pet-proof decorations, such as shatter-proof ornaments, artificial trees and flameless electric candles.

  • Leave the food for guests, not pets. Avoid a medical emergency with your pets by sticking to their regular diet. Human foods like poultry bones, turkey skin, caffeine, chocolate, and nuts can cause digestive issues and serious injuries.

  • Keep seasonal plants out of reach. Many holiday plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Mistletoe, holly, lilies, amaryllis and poinsettias are just a few examples. Research plants in your home to be certain and keep any toxic plants out of your pet’s reach.

  • Manage Stress and Anxiety: Loud party noises and changes in routine can create stress for pets. To help them feel secure, consider keeping them in a separate area away from guests. This prevents overstimulation and reduces the chance of accidental food ingestion. If you decide to include your pets in the festivities, designate a human to keep watch on the pets!

  • Food Risks: Rich holiday foods, chocolate and certain holiday plants can be toxic to pets. It is important to keep human food out of reach—and keep your pet on their regular diet.

  • Ensure pets are tagged and chipped. This is a crucial step for pet safety. If your furry friend manages to escape during the holiday hustle and bustle, having them tagged and microchipped can help you reunite quickly.

To keep your pets safe and happy during the holidays, maintain a consistent routine, supervise them around decorations, and ensure they have a calm space to retreat to when needed. With these precautions, you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping your beloved companions safe.

Categories: Pet CareTags: , ,

Recent Posts

Six Steps to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays

Dog playing with holiday lights

Parties, festive décor and family dinners. Winter holidays are a great time to celebrate, but what effect do they have on your pets?

“The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can be stressful for pets,” said Dr. Ashley Powell, an owner of Ally Urgent Veterinary Care in Coastal Virginia. “We usually see an uptick in emergency cases of pets with digestive issues due to eating rich foods or swallowing ornaments, tinsel and string.”

To ensure that this time together is safe and enjoyable for you and your four-legged companions, Powell and her staff compiled a list of precautions you can take to keep your pets safe and cozy:

  • Pet-proof Holiday Décor: Tinsel and ornaments can be dangerous when swallowed—leading to intestinal obstruction and a trip to the ER. Consider doing without or moving such items out of your pet’s reach. You can also purchase pet-proof decorations, such as shatter-proof ornaments, artificial trees and flameless electric candles.

  • Leave the food for guests, not pets. Avoid a medical emergency with your pets by sticking to their regular diet. Human foods like poultry bones, turkey skin, caffeine, chocolate, and nuts can cause digestive issues and serious injuries.

  • Keep seasonal plants out of reach. Many holiday plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Mistletoe, holly, lilies, amaryllis and poinsettias are just a few examples. Research plants in your home to be certain and keep any toxic plants out of your pet’s reach.

  • Manage Stress and Anxiety: Loud party noises and changes in routine can create stress for pets. To help them feel secure, consider keeping them in a separate area away from guests. This prevents overstimulation and reduces the chance of accidental food ingestion. If you decide to include your pets in the festivities, designate a human to keep watch on the pets!

  • Food Risks: Rich holiday foods, chocolate and certain holiday plants can be toxic to pets. It is important to keep human food out of reach—and keep your pet on their regular diet.

  • Ensure pets are tagged and chipped. This is a crucial step for pet safety. If your furry friend manages to escape during the holiday hustle and bustle, having them tagged and microchipped can help you reunite quickly.

To keep your pets safe and happy during the holidays, maintain a consistent routine, supervise them around decorations, and ensure they have a calm space to retreat to when needed. With these precautions, you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping your beloved companions safe.

Categories: Pet CareTags: , ,

Recent Posts