Family, friends, and, of course, our cherished pets all gather to celebrate the holidays in good joy and goodwill. Along with plenty of delectable treats, holidays and vacations often bring out dazzling and glowing decors and materials that may be hazardous to pets. Such concerns mainly apply to animals that tend to get into risky situations.
Remember that certain holiday treats and traditions can be unsafe for pets. Our furry friends may be at risk due to various factors, such as unsafe seasonal plants, potentially harmful meals, and stress brought about by noise and disturbances.
If you’ve been living with pets for a long time, you may already know some of their distinct nature. Dogs have a great sense of smell, while cats are innately curious, making both quite prone to hazards and injuries when exposed to various holiday decorations, food, and activities. Therefore, it’s imperative to be prepared and learn how to pet-proof your home prior to all the fun!
5 Crucial Tips to Taking Care of Your Pets During the Holiday Seasons
- Be mindful of the holiday food you share with them
Take extra caution when sharing the holiday feast with your animal companion. There are several things pets cannot consume, some of which you’re probably unaware of. You shouldn’t give them a lot of sweets, especially chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is also best to refrain from feeding them cakes, cookie mixes, and even peanut butter if they contain artificial sweeteners.
See to it that no gift-wrapped treats are left under the tree or anywhere else your pet can get to them. Most pets can find a way to eat present foods even when wrapped. Although they can enjoy chewing on pet store bones, you shouldn’t feed them ham, turkey, chicken, or other animal bones. Chewing on splintered bones can cause major health issues or even death. Don’t leave alcohol unattended, too.
- Block or keep holiday decorations out of reach
Holiday decorations can include trees, some candles, or attractive seasonal plants. Whatever the occasion, dogs and cats may be drawn to all kinds of decorations out of curiosity since there are so many new sights, sounds, and tastes. This could result in harm to your dogs or damage to the decorations.
Puppies, in particular, explore using their mouth and nose. Most decorations have interesting textures and flavors. While dogs may not enjoy evergreen trees or peppermint candles, they will be willing to try other things. Pets chewing on an electric cable, a glass piece, a tree, or a plant can result in an unnecessary visit to the veterinarian.
Part of pet-proofing your home is to disconnect all electric decorations such as holiday lights before leaving the house or when not in use.  Additionally, be prepared to barricade any harmful objects where they might have an excessive urge to chew. This is critical when working with electricity cords and seasonal plants.
- Watch out for Christmas trees
To prevent a tree from toppling over and injuring your pet, ensure it is well secured. Additionally, keep pets from drinking from the water base if you have a real tree because it may contain dangerous chemicals and pesticides that can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
If consumed, pine needles or branches can also be harmful. Pine needles can get stuck in, pierce, or accumulate to clog the intestines.
Ensure that lighting or wreaths are not hung on limbs that your pet can reach, knock off, or chew. Chewing on an electrical wire or battery might result in electric shock or burns to the lips and esophagus. In addition, consuming glass or plastic ornament shards might cause mouth or digestive tract impairments.
- Don’t let them near holiday plants
During the holiday season, there are some plants you should avoid in contact with your pets at all costs. These plants can be extremely harmful if consumed. All pets may get digestive discomfort and cardiovascular issues from mistletoe. Ingestion of holly may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Although poinsettias are found to be only mildly toxic to animals, their sap can trigger drooling, an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. The Christmas cacti are also non-poisonous, but it contains fibrous components that can interfere with digestion if consumed.
If you have cats, you should watch out for evergreens like pine, lilies, and azaleas. Lilies are particularly unsafe to cats if consumed as they can lead to digestive problems and possibly kidney failure.
- Take them into consideration before starting your celebrations
Ensure that your visitors are well-aware that your pets will be there if you are holding a party. See to it that your pets don’t unknowingly stray out into the cold or flee the house when your loved ones come. Your pet will need an escape-proof environment if you’re expecting lots of people, lighting off fireworks, or bursting confetti as some animals get stressed by loud noises.
If you are going out of town, on a road trip driving in an EV, you must also consider how to transport your pet or where to leave them for pet sitting. You can look into booking a pet-friendly hotel or conversely finding the best pet daycare for them.
Wherever you may be, find your pet a space of their own where they may feel safe and relaxed. Keep them entertained with toys and help them feel comfortable by providing a clean and quiet room. Don’t forget to feed them on time and give them adequate fresh water.
Pets are Family to Celebrate the Holidays with Too
Whether you’re spending the holidays at home or going off with them as a solo traveler, it is best to find your local 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before the holidays start. Have your vet’s contact information handy at all times. Remember that pets are also part of the family, and it is reasonable to prioritize their welfare and safety even during the holidays.
