Holidays are a special time of the year: we’re entertaining, giving gifts, decorating, and hanging lights, ribbons and ornaments.
Unfortunately it can also be a stressful and potentially dangerous time for pets. Here is a guide that will help make the season jolly and safe for your pet and the entire family.
The holidays mean increased numbers of guests coming in and out of your house. This increases the possibility of pets escaping through an open door. Keep pets safely indoors and always make sure they are wearing current ID tags and that their microchip information is up to date.
If your dog gets excited when the door opens, place him/her in another room when guests arrive. If it is a small group you can bring pets out after a time to mingle.
It can be easy to forget that our pets may be sensitive to loud sounds while having fun. Loud music, fireworks, celebratory poppers or noisemakers can scare our furry companions. A large group of people coming and going can be very stressful to pets. Set up a quiet place where they can retreat—include a bed, food, water, toys, etc. You can also muffle the noise with calming music.
If you do plan to confine your pet during dinner or a large party, get your routine ready now so your pet knows what to expect. Suddenly confining them for hours while you and your guests are home could cause added anxiety and stress.
Schedules are bound to change during the holiday season. Pets are creatures of habit and can become anxious when their routine is interrupted. Stick with their regular eating and exercising schedules as closely as possible.
Remember to plan quality play and cuddle time with your pet—it’s calming and reassuring to them and de-stressing for you.
Your pet might want to check out all the shiny new baubles—which might mean a nibble here and there. Keep ribbons, tinsel and garlands out of a pet’s reach, especially cats—they tend to be very intrigued by shiny objects. These items can be lodged in their intestines, cause obstructions and lead to surgery or even death.
Be sure to clean up pine needles frequently; they can be very toxic if ingested.
Holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, ivy, lilies and poinsettias are also toxic to pets and can cause digestive upset. Keep these plants out of the reach of pets.
If you have a Christmas tree, make sure the tree water is covered and/or inaccessible to curious pets. Tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset. Block access to the tree by stacking presents around it or put up a safety fence and cover the opening of the tree stand with foil or plastic wrap so your pet can’t drink the water. Make sure you securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip over; this will also prevent tree water from spilling.
The extra electric cords out at this time of year can be an increased temptation to pets. Make sure you have lots of chew toys available for redirection. Thread cords through covers that pets can’t chew through. Be sure to keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.
Whether lighting a menorah or filling your home with scented candles, make sure you do not leave any candles unattended. Consider using flameless LED candles in place of lit candles to avoid the risk of burns or house fires. Remember: a wagging tail can clear a coffee table in no time flat!
Don’t give into those pleading eyes and feed your pet leftovers. The fat content of holiday food—gravy, fatty meats and mashed potatoes are too rich for the digestive systems of cats and dogs, and can cause pancreas and intestine issues.
Bones are off limits; they can splinter and cause serious internal problems. Any kind of bone can tear or obstruct your pet’s intestinal tract. Make certain all bones are disposed of properly. Poultry bones can be especially dangerous and even fatal to animals.
Also, beware of the tasty little “pop-up” thermometers and strings used to tie the turkey.
Many foods that are toxic to pets tend to be prevalent around the holidays, such as fresh and dried fruits—e.g. grapes and raisins. Grapes are especially dangerous because they contain toxins that can cause kidney failure.
Also chocolate can affect the nervous system and cause urinary and heart muscle damage in your pet. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be especially harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Keep all such goodies well out of reach.
You can’t see the contents of a wrapped present, but pets might smell it. Be sure to keep wrapped food or candy off the ground.
If your celebration includes alcoholic beverages, don’t leave your drink unattended where pets can get to it.
Experts recommend that you avoid giving a dog, puppy, cat or kitten as a holiday gift. You can grant your child’s wish by buying pet accessories and wrapping them as gifts. Then spend time after the holidays researching your options together and plan a date to bring your new friend home to a more relaxed household.
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