Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

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.

Learn more:

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets. [Internet]

Available from: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/holiday-safety-tipspets#:~:text=Pet%20behavior%20and%20holiday%20guests,of%20time%20to%20discourage%20barking.

Holiday Safety Tips [Internet] Available from: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips