The Holidays and Pets - How to Keep them SAFE
By:  Lisa Gilbert

As a volunteer for an Animal Rescue, my role is to make sure a prospective adopter’s house is safe from hazards that can be avoided.  You would be amazed at the number of things people don’t think about that can really harm a pet.  

Now let’s add the holidays to the mix.  While it may be all fun and games for you and your family, it’s a whole different ball game for your pet.  Below is a list of tips on how to keep your pet safe and still enjoy the eggnog.

Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations

Christmas Trees

• Make sure it’s securely anchored… You never want a tree to fall on you let alone a pet who may view the tree as a jungle gym!
• Tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria giving your pet major stomach issues, if ingested.
• Avoid Mistletoe, Holly, Poinsettias & Lillies. All are very toxic to both dogs and cats. Additionally, even a small amount of lillies can cause kidney failure in cats.  Opt for plants made of silk or plastic or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Tinsel

• Tinsel screams out “please play with me” to cats. If ingested, it can cause major issues in the digestive system.  Find another way to brighten your boughs.

Candles

• Never leave lit candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if knocked over. Use appropriate candle holders and place them on a stable surface.

Wires

• It almost goes without saying to keep the following out of reach of pets: wires, batteries, glass, or plastic ornaments.  If you keep something out of reach for a child, then think of your pet as your child too.

Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

Sweets

• Chocolate - Very poisonous to both cats and dogs.
• Sugar-free candies and pastries (including anything made with Xylitol) - Very poisonous to pets.
• Grapes and raisins - Highly poisonous to both dogs and cats.

Onions and Garlic

• Keep out of reach of your pets and do not feed them any people food that contains onions and/or garlic.  All forms (raw, cooked, chopped, or powder) of either or both are toxic and you should get your pet to the vet ASAP, if ingested!

Meat Bones

• All dogs as you may already know love bones, but did you know cats love to chow down on a good bone too?  They can splinter and cause a blockage when cooked and raw bones can transmit disease-causing pathogens.  Opt for safe bones from the pet store or Antlers.

Fatty foods

• You are not doing your pets any favors by sharing your holiday treats with them.  Rich and fatty foods can cause many problems for your pets and should be avoided as much as possible.

Other items to keep away from your pets:

• Alcohol
• Ornaments and snow globes
• Ribbons
• Fireplaces
• Heaters and warming Devices
• Cleaning supplies
• Rock salt
• Small toys (ie: Legos)

If you don’t know if something is ok to keep out or feed your pet, my simplest advice is to “Google” it.

Happy Holidays!