Keeping your pet safe should be a priority during holidays! As a pet parent, you want your pet to join the festivities without having to worry about them getting hurt by all the decorations and excitement. Here are some vital tips to help you and your pets have a worry-free holiday season this year!
Keep Your Pet Safe For An Enjoyable Christmas Season!
1. Oh, Christmas Tree
- Lights and ornaments can be tempting for pets, so secure the perimeter around the tree when you’re not around.
- Consider placing a decorative fence around the base to keep small kids and babies (including the furry variety) a safe distance from it.
- Make sure your tree won’t fall over if your pet tries to climb it. You also have o remember that water additives for Christmas trees can be hazardous to your pets.
Decor
- Tinsel
Your pet would love to play with sparkly tinsel but consuming them can cause intestinal blockage, so make sure to hang them out of your pet’s reach.
- Electric Lights
Your pet may chew on cords out of curiosity, which can cause the cord to burn and might start a fire. Don’t put lights on the tree’s lower branches. Keep wires and batteries out of paws’ reach.
- Ornaments
Put fragile ornaments on higher branches since they can cause injuries or be ingested by your pet. Keep ornaments out of their reach.
- Candles
Burn warning! Don’t leave candles unattended or consider using LED candles instead. They look just as pretty but they can last longer than wax candles. Plus, they won’t burn your place down if left unattended.
2. Holiday NO-NOs
Food – People food should be kept away from pets, especially the following:
- Chocolates
- Turkey and turkey skin
- Onions
- Raisins
- Yeast dough
- Grapes
- Bones
- Cocktails
- Sweets and baked goods (artificial sweetener Xylitol has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs)
If your pet does ingest any of the following, try to get them to vomit the toxic food. If your pet ingested too much, bring your pet to the vet right away.
Flowers and Plants – Holiday flowers and plants can be poisonous to your pets if consumed! Avoid the following at all cost:
- Mistletoe
- Holly
- Lilies
- Poinsettia
- Amaryllis
- Balsam
- Pine
- Cedar
3. Holiday Treats for Your Furry Ones!
Give them treats or toys to keep them busy. Just make sure their treats are safe from toxic food and their toys are no choking hazard. Be careful of overfeeding them as well. You can use chew toys or treats, Kongs stuffed with healthy foods, a ball that’s too big to swallow, or a stuffed catnip toy.
BONUS TIPS!!!
Get-Togethers
Make sure your pet has a room or crate somewhere away from the guests. Get guests’ allergy information in advance. If they’re allergic to pets, keep them in a separate room.
If you’re going out of town or just to a different place, make sure your pet has proper ID with your current contact information. This way, finders can easily return them to you if they sneak out.
Keep food, cocktails, and even trash away from your pet’s reach. Otherwise, you’ll have a mess to clean up. Or worse, a medical emergency.
Travel Must-Haves
If you decide to bring your pet with you for an out-of-town excursion, you need to prepare. Have your pet’s food, water bowl, first aid supplies, medication, and a secure harness or carrier for the vehicle ready for the trip. You should also have medical records and identification on hand in case your pet gets lost. Aside from that, get a health certificate from your veterinarian – even if you are traveling by car.
Watch this video for more tips on how to keep your pet safe during the Christmas season!
Follow these tips to keep your pet safe this Holiday season. However, they’re also very useful during normal days or when you go on trips or gatherings with your pet. Most of all, be alert to your pet’s behavior and health during this time of year.
May your holidays be FURRY and BRIGHT!
Share what other tips you know to keep your pet safe this Christmas below!
