Christmas is a magical time for families, and that includes our beloved pets! While it's wonderful to include them in the festivities, the holiday season also brings unique hazards that can put our furry friends at risk. With a little planning and awareness, you can ensure your dog or cat has a safe, happy, and truly 'paw-some' Christmas!
Deck the Halls Safely
Decorations are a big part of Christmas, but some can be tempting and dangerous for curious pets.
Christmas Trees:
- Secure Your Tree: Anchor your tree securely to prevent it from tipping over if your pet climbs or bumps into it.
- Water Safety: Don't add anything to the tree water (like aspirin or fertilizers) that could be toxic if your pet drinks it. Keep the water reservoir covered.
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Ornaments: Place fragile or sentimental ornaments high on the tree, out of paw's reach. Avoid glass ornaments that can shatter and cause injuries.
- Tinsel & Garland: These are incredibly tempting for cats and dogs, but if ingested, they can cause serious intestinal blockages requiring surgery. It's best to avoid tinsel entirely.
- Lights & Wires: Secure all electrical cords to prevent chewing, which can lead to electric shock or burns. Unplug lights when you're not home or when pets are unsupervised.
Festive Plants:
Many popular holiday plants are toxic to pets.
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- Poinsettias: While generally low in toxicity, they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
- Holly & Mistletoe: These are highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and other health issues if ingested. Keep them completely out of reach.
- Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts, causing kidney failure. Keep all types of lilies out of homes with cats.
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Candles & Fireplaces:
- Open Flames: Never leave lit candles or fireplaces unattended. Pets can easily knock over candles, causing fires or burns. Opt for flameless LED candles.
- Fireplace Safety: Use a sturdy screen for fireplaces to prevent pets from getting too close to hot embers or flames.
Feast Safely: Holiday Food Hazards
Sharing holiday meals is a joy, but many human foods are dangerous for pets.
- Chocolate: Highly toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Keep all chocolate, including baked goods, securely out of reach.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, found in many sugar-free candies, gums, and some baked goods, is extremely poisonous to dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
- Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage. Never give your pet bones from ham, turkey, or chicken.
- Fatty Foods: Rich, fatty foods (like turkey skin, gravy, or prime rib trimmings) can cause pancreatitis in pets, a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.
- Onions, Garlic, Chives: These ingredients, common in stuffings and gravies, are toxic to pets and can cause red blood cell damage.
- Alcohol: Never give alcohol to pets. Even small amounts can cause serious issues.
- Raisins & Grapes: Highly toxic to dogs, causing kidney failure. Keep all baked goods containing these fruits (like fruitcake or mince pies) away from pets.
- Dough: Raw yeast dough can expand in your pet's stomach, causing pain and potentially life-threatening bloating, and the yeast can produce alcohol.
Instead: Stick to pet-safe treats. Consider specially made pet advent calendars or bake dog-friendly cookies. A small amount of plain, cooked turkey or sweet potato (without butter or seasonings) can be a safe holiday treat.
Managing the Merriment
The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming for some pets.
- Guest Management: If you're hosting guests, ensure your pet has a quiet "safe space" they can retreat to, away from the commotion. Provide their bed, favorite toys, and water. Inform guests not to feed your pet human food.
- Door Safety: With frequent door openings, there's a higher risk of pets escaping. Ensure your pet's microchip details are up-to-date and they are wearing an ID tag with your current contact information.
- Routine: Try to maintain your pet's regular feeding and exercise routine as much as possible to minimize stress.
- Gift Wrapping: Keep ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper scraps away from pets, as they can cause choking or intestinal issues if ingested.
Traveling for the Holidays?
If your pets are traveling with you, plan ahead.
- Vehicle Safety: Secure your pet in a well-ventilated crate or with a safety harness in the car. Never let them roam freely in the vehicle.
- Motion Sickness: Talk to your vet about options for pets prone to motion sickness.
- Identification: Ensure your pet has up-to-date identification (collar with tags and microchip) in case they get lost in an unfamiliar area.
- Overnight Stays: Research pet-friendly accommodations or consider boarding your pet at a reputable facility.
Conclusion
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can enjoy a truly joyous and worry-free Christmas season with all members of your family, furry ones included!