Our pets are part of our family, so it’s only natural
that we’d want them involved in our family holiday celebrations. But some of
the holiday items and customs that are second nature to us can be hazardous,
even deadly, to our pets. Below are a few of the most common holiday safety
hazards for our four-legged friends and how to avoid them:
Christmas
decorations. Decorating our homes both inside and out
is one of the best parts of the season. And no home is complete without a
Christmas tree. But both can be dangerous for your pets. Cats often love to
play with tinsel, but if it’s ingested, it can get stuck in their digestive
tract and require emergency surgery to remove it. Trees are another potential
hazard. Some cats love to climb; make sure your tree is secure in the stand so
your kitty doesn’t knock it over. Many dogs are also drawn to tree water. Remember to add fresh water regularly so it’s not sitting and stagnating.
Standing water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could make your dog
very sick. Broken lights or ornaments can cut or burn your pet’s paws or
digestive tract if they play with or swallow them. Artificial trees are much
less work and can look just as majestic as a real tree; they’re also safer for
pets.
Plants.
Holiday
plants add that festive touch to our homes throughout the season, but
unfortunately, most of the prettiest ones are also the most dangerous for pets.
Holly and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal problems (mistletoe can also
cause cardiovascular distress). Poinsettias are poisonous. Play it safe and
decorate using artificial plants.
Electrical
cords and lights. Keep all electrical gadgets out of your
pet’s reach. Cords can cause electrical burns if the animal chews on them.
Candy
and sweets. We like to overindulge during the holiday
season, but allowing our pets to do the same is a bad idea. Chocolate is toxic to
dogs and cats and should be completely off-limits. Baked goods in general are
often too rich for pets, and some artificial sweeteners can cause liver failure
and other health problems. If you’re not sure if a sweet treat is potentially
harmful, play it safe and don’t give it to your pet at all. (Many of us often
slip table scraps to our pets—keep in mind foods like onions, raisins, and
grapes are toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided).
Potpourri.
We
love to make our homes smell festive and welcoming, but many home fragrances can
be dangerous or deadly for pets. Liquid potpourri can be caustic due to the
essential oils and detergents in them, and the regular bagged variety can cause
digestive problems if swallowed. Keep all home fragrances out of your pets’
reach, or find alternatives that make your home smell nice but are safer for
your pets.
Guests can be another potential safety risk for your pet. Put your dog or cat in another area of the house, preferably a quiet room, if they're nervous or skittish around strangers and you're having guests over.
The American Veterinary Medical Association website has lots of great information about how to keep your pet safe this holiday
season.
