As the holiday season arrives, it’s time to deck the halls with safety in mind – especially for our pets. As your local experts, we’re dedicated to helping pet owners avoid common holiday dangers. From identifying dangerous holiday foods to safe decoration strategies, we’ll provide invaluable tips to prevent any unexpected emergency room visits.
Secure Your Tree
A Christmas tree is an essential part of the holidays for many families, but it can pose significant risks to curious pets. It’s important to make sure your tree is securely positioned. Some pets may run into it by accident and wind up tipping the whole thing over. They could easily get injured by the falling tree or any ornaments that come loose. Plus, this also prevents any tree water from spilling. Pets could accidentally lap it up and become sick.
Plan Ahead for Guests
Welcoming guests into your home is something you may look forward to, but it can be stressful for your pet. If your guests are bringing young children along, ensure they know the ground rules for safely interacting with your pet, or keep your pet in an enclosed area where small children don’t have unsupervised access. Additionally, if your pet is nervous or anxious, consider asking your veterinarian about medications that can help keep them calm. This can prevent accidents like self-injury or running away and being exposed to the elements.
Avoid Certain Foods
While we enjoy our holiday feasts, it’s important to keep our pets’ safety in mind. Many typical holiday foods can be toxic to pets, including chocolate, certain nuts, and grapes. Be vigilant, especially with foods received as gifts, and always check the ingredients before giving anything to your pet. Keeping your pets on their regular diet during the holiday season is the best way to prevent any health issues.
Your veterinarian is an invaluable resource. If you have any questions about how to keep your pets safe during the festive season, don’t hesitate to reach out. If your pet experiences sudden injuries or illnesses, be prepared to take a trip to the emergency veterinarian for immediate, potentially life-saving care.
