The holidays are upon us. With that, many pet owners will decorate their houses getting ready for the festivities. This presents a few common hazards for pets. Below, are some tips to keep your furry friends safe this season.
For those who put up Christmas trees, place them in the corner of the room and make sure it is securely anchored. This will reduce the number of directions a pet could knock down a tree. It also places it in a spot that would make a pet loose interest in it.
For live trees, keep the floor clean of pine needles. Pine needles that are ingested can get lodged in the intestinal tract and cause an intestinal obstruction.
Place tree decorations high enough to where pets can’t reach them, especially tinsel. Tinsel can cause intestinal blockages.
Certain plants, such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to animals.
Place burning candles on high shelves. Pets could knock them over and spill wax or start a fire.
For fireplaces, make sure there are screens to keep pets away.
Keep pets away when gift wrapping. Wrapping paper and other gift-wrapping items are potential intestinal blockers.
During parties, make sure your pet has a quiet space to retreat to. It can be a whole room or even just the underside of a piece of furniture. Wherever they are the most comfortable.
Be careful feeding them holiday treats. Chocolate is a big no. There is also a chance that treats contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets. Fatty and spicy human foods should not be fed to pets.
The holidays are a fun time. Just make sure to keep pet safety in mind. A little bit of precaution keeps things fun for everyone.
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