Tis the season for festive fun!
The holiday season brings carols, cocoa and countless photo ops with your pets — but it also brings hidden hazards for our furry friends.
Following up on our Halloween safety blog post, we’ve rounded up essential holiday safety tips to keep your pets healthy and happy through the hustle and bustle of the season.
Avoid festive food faux-paws
Similar to Halloween, the holidays are full of yummy-for-humans, bad-for-pets foods. These include:
Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate
Xylitol (often found in sugar-free candies and gum)
Raisins, which can cause their kidneys to fail
Hard candies
Alcohol
Turkey and chicken bones, which can splinter and lead to serious health issues
Chives, garlic and onions (and members of the onion family)
Citrus and pits
Fatty or spicy foods
Baked goods or unbaked yeast dough
This is not an exhaustive list. Refer to the ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid feeding your pets or another reputable resource.
When you’re preparing your holiday meal, keep an eye on your pet. Don’t leave food on the table unattended or wherever pets can sneak a bite. Make sure trash is secure (especially if there is food waste) and be mindful of safely discarding items like the string used to prepare turkeys. And of course, refrain from feeding them from the table (and remind your guests not to, either)!
Dogs are especially good at sniffing out sweets and may go in search of chocolate or other wrapped goodies under the tree. If your pet ingests any harmful foods, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Taking quick action is critical.
Deck the halls but watch the paws
Decorate smart to keep your pets safe this holiday season.
The warm glow of fire adds a certain ambiance, but candles can quickly become a fire hazard if a curious pet knocks them over or singes themselves on the flame. Consider LED candles or other flame-free alternatives.
Decorative lights might look festive, but they (and their cords) can be irresistible toys for critters. If your pets bites through an electrical cord that is plugged in, it could result in a severe burn or electrical shock. Unplug your decorations if you leave the house or aren’t around.
Snow globes can be hazardous if they break, as many contain ethylene glycol — a toxic substance also found in antifreeze. Handle them with care and keep them out of reach of your pets.
Spruce up your decor — safely
Fir real: Your holiday greenery should be pet-friendly!
If you put up a tree, make sure your furry family members don’t chew on the branches. Ingested pine needles can become lodged in an animal’s intestinal tract and cause serious issues. Tree water should be covered or otherwise inaccessible. (And for goodness sake, make sure the tree is tightly secured or anchored so it can’t tip over!)
When decorating your tree, place lights and fragile ornaments higher up, opt for shatter-proof options and watch out for hooks that can easily be swallowed.
Finally, skip the tinsel, which is very dangerous to cats (and oh-so-tempting because SPARKLY).
It’s also worth noting a number of seasonal plants are toxic to pets, like mistletoe, holly and other greenery found in holiday arrangements. Lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure.
Refer to the ASPCA’s list of poisonous plants for a detailed list. Keep all greenery out of your pet’s reach or try artificial plants for a safer alternative.
Create a bit of yuletide zen
The holidays can be a major disruption for pets, who not only feel the break in their routines but often pick up on our holiday stress and anxiety.
Keep their routine, like meals and exercise, consistent as much as possible. Be mindful of how much time they’re spending alone, and hire a pet sitter or dog walker to stop in and give them some love and nose-boops if you’re away. (Long Beach folks, we’ve got you covered!).
Set up a dedicated quiet space — a cozy crate or entire room — where your pet can head if they feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re hosting guests or expecting fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Stock the space with items like their bed and favorite toy(s). If their anxiety is worse than usual, consult your veterinarian about possible options.
No bones about it — holiday joy shouldn’t come with holiday hazards! By planning ahead, you can avoid a ‘ruff’ time during the holidays and keep the season both merry and safe for your furry family members.