It’s time to set the Christmas table, plan your holiday light displays, and buy gifts for everyone on your list. As you make your holiday plans, it’s easy to forget to consider the safety of your four-legged family members. This goes beyond knowing what your pet should and shouldn’t eat (which is obviously important. Check out our blog about human food dogs should and should not eat) and also includes considerations such as pet-proof decorations, dealing with visitors, and more.
Here are some of Allivet’s top holiday safety tips for pets.
A Party-Free Zone
No matter how much YOU might love a great party, some pets aren’t happy with a houseful of strangers. If you know your pets are shy or uncomfortable around people they don’t know, set them up in a quiet room where they can remain for the duration of the party. If your pets are particularly high strung, consider boarding them away from home for the night.
Stranger Danger
Ok, so your guests are probably not really strangers, but it’s important to be sure they follow any rules you’ve put in place for your pets. For example: If you’ve decided to leave the pets secluded in a room, make sure a well-meaning visitor doesn’t let them out. Also, if your pets will be roaming around during your gatherings, make it clear that doors (and outdoor gates) must be secured at all times. It’s very common for pets to go missing during a party after a visitor failed to close a gate or left a door open long enough for a dog or cat to slip out.
Holiday Plants to Avoid
Seeing mommy kissing Santa under the mistletoe is one thing but seeing your pets munching on mistletoe or other common holiday plants is another. Mistletoe and holly plants cause GI upset in pets. Some types of lilies can cause serious issues, such as kidney failure in cats. Artificial varieties not only last longer, but they are also a much safer option for your pets.
Wires, and Tinsel, and Candle, Oh My!
Tinsel and lights make your tree look so festive, and scented candles throughout the space help set the holiday mood. These decorations also pose a potential safety hazard. Pets can chew through wires, swallow tinsel, and knock over candles. That doesn’t mean you have to forego the décor; it just means being particular about wire placement, choosing decorations your cats and dogs can’t swallow, and remembering not to leave lit candles unattended.
Holiday Sounds
From firecrackers to a rowdy crowd ringing in the New Year, dogs and cats may be easily spooked by loud, sudden, or unusual noises. It’s not uncommon for pets to try and flee the sounds that startle them, so it’s crucial to ensure they are secured. Even dogs who have never jumped a fence before might do so. Indoor pets may seek out a hiding spot, so unless your cat is secured in a safe spot, you might not see her for several hours after the noise dies down.
Party Cleanup
When the party is over, it’s tempting to leave the cleaning for the next day. If that’s your plan, be sure to do a quick sweep through and remove anything that could be harmful to your pet, such as alcohol, leftover foods, or party favors your pet could swallow.
Follow these simple tips so that you and your pets can enjoy a happy and safe holiday season! Are you looking for the perfect gift for your four-legged family members? Check out our Pet Gift Guide.
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