How to Protect Your Pet from Holiday Hazards

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and no doubt you can’t wait for the festivities to begin! From the twinkling lights to enjoying some of your favorite holiday foods, we bet you’re determined to make this a Christmas to remember for you and your whole family – including your pets.

However, it’s not always easy to keep our pets away from the hazards brought about by this holiday season. Fortunately, we’ve got some top tips to help you ensure that your pet can enjoy a holly, jolly Christmas, too!
 

Keep your Christmas tree safely secured

The Christmas tree has been a staple of holiday celebrations since the 1800s, but it can cause potential injury to your pet should it fall. Not only that, but stagnant tree water can cause nausea or diarrhea when ingested, making it all the more important that your tree is effectively anchored and stop your pet from drinking out of it.   
 

Avoid hanging up holly and mistletoe

Mistletoe and holly can be particularly harmful to your pets and cause health issues such as vomiting and diarrhea and cardiovascular problems. Instead, avoid using plants that can be toxic to your pet and opt for artificial, pet-safe options. Certain flowers can be toxic too, so do your research before adding natural decorations to your home this holiday.
 

Tinsel terror

Tinsel may be a popular choice for decorating your tree, but it can cause your pet serious harm if it is ingested. Some of the potential dangers of swallowing tinsel include dehydration, severe vomiting, and obstruction of their digestive tract. It would be a lot safer for your pet if you were to find alternatives to tinsel to decorate your tree with this year.
 

Replace any candles with battery-operated versions

Candles create a cozy and warm atmosphere during the holidays but are a fire hazard when left unattended around your pet. To prevent burns and fast-spreading fires, opt for battery operated candles instead.

Shocking electrics

With the amount of lights hung up and presents exchanged during the holidays, it’s inevitable that there will be an increase of wires and batteries around your home. However, wires can produce a potentially lethal shock if chewed by your pet. Keep them out of reach of your pets and any batteries stored away in drawers and cupboards. 
 

Sweets and treats

It can often be tempting to share our favorite foods with our pets, but there are many that are toxic for them, such as chocolate and raisins. Try to avoid giving your pet any food containing alcohol or nuts, or any sweet treats that may contain xylitol. Ensure that food and drinks are not left unattended around your pets, and you secure lids on any garbage cans to keep nosey pets out.
 

Medication

With so many guests, it can be hard to keep your house as organized as usual, but it is important to ensure that any medication is safely stored away from your pets. Human medications and even pet medications can be dangerous if your furbaby gets hold of them. Keep all drugs locked behind secure doors and ask any guests to keep any medication zipped away securely in their bags and keep these out of reach of your pet.
 

Decorations

Holiday decorations are a brilliant way to decorate your house at Christmas time, but with so many breakable glass items, pets are at increased risk of injury, such as cuts to paws or, if swallowed, damage to their mouth and digestive track. If you decide to display any ornaments this year, keep them out of reach of your pets and in areas where they won’t easily be knocked over.

Space to themselves

It’s important to allow your pets to have a safe space to escape if they become overwhelmed by the noise and unfamiliar visitors. If your pet is easily stressed by large numbers of guests, provide them with a comfortable room with food and water away from the main festivities where they can feel secure, and check on them regularly.

Our veterinary team at Dr. Mike's Affordable Vet Care is always on hand to provide advice, so if you need further guidance on how to protect your pet from holiday hazards, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (817) 663-8160.