The Christmas season is a time for family, friends and fun.
It’s also a time when we need to be especially careful to keep our pets safe. There are so many things that can go wrong – from eating Christmas dinner off of the floor to getting tangled up in holiday decorations. Follow these five tips to help keep your pet safe and healthy during the festivities.
Watch Out For Christmas Dinner…
Christmas dinner is one of the biggest hazards for pets. Even though this is one of the best parts of the holiday, all that rich food, bones and fatty trimmings can all cause digestive problems for your pet. So even though you may be in the mood for giving, do yourself (and them) a favor by keeping them far away from the Christmas feast – both on the table and on the floor. I guess what we’re saying here is it’s OK to be a “Grinch” when it comes to table food.
Keep Them Away From Decorations…
As beautiful as they might be, Christmas decorations can be very dangerous for pets. Tinsel, ribbon, glass ornaments, candles and Christmas lights are all potentially hazardous. Besides choking on something, If you have a pet who likes to chew on things, they could be electrocuted. And with that happens, the chances of them surviving are slim to none. Plus, any sparks could cause a fire! Speaking of fires, be extra careful with lit candles – a wagging tail can easily knock one over. With all of that being said, it’s best to keep any and all decorations out of your pet’s reach.
Beware of The Plants…
Another hazard during the holidays is plants. Many common Christmas plants such as holly, mistletoe, lilies and poinsettias are poisonous to pets. Keep them well out of reach, or better yet, don’t have them in the house at all if you have pets. If you must have them, consider fakes. They look just as good and there’s no risk to your animal friends. Because all it takes is for your cat or dog to ingest a small amount of one of those plants for them to get sick. And depending on which one they get hold of, it could even be fatal.
Give Them a Safe Space…
With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, your home can become a very stressful place for your pet. So create a safe space for them to retreat to when things get too overwhelming. This could be their bed, crate or a quiet room where they can go to get away from the noise and commotion. Make sure this space is comfortable and has everything they need like food, water, toys, etc. And if possible, try to keep them somewhere people don’t have access to. That way, they can’t be accidentally injured or stepped on. Putting your pets away during the celebration could also keep your guests at ease. Remember, not everyone is an animal lover. Some people are scared, and others just plain don’t like them. So keep them away just to be safe.
Make Sure They Stay Warm…
Even though our pets wear amazing fur coats year-round, it’s easy to forget that they still need to stay warm. Just like us humans, pets can get frostbite and hypothermia too, so take extra care to keep them warm during cold snaps. Depending on the forecast, you may need to bring them inside. But if you have to keep them outdoors, just make sure they have a warm, dry shelter. This not only helps your pet feel safe, but it keeps them away from all the holiday hazards around the house. And when they’re safe, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief, and *truly* enjoy yourself without wondering if they’re OK or not.
Thanks for reading todays’ blog post! By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Christmas is happy, safe, and most of all, fun! …For both you and your pets!
Do you suspect your pet may have eaten table food or been injured during the Holidays? Click Here to get help.