When we deck the halls, it’s important to remember that some of the things that make our Christmas merry and bright can be dangerous for our pets.
Christmas trees: Many of our feline friends tend to climb up or into trees and they, as well as their canine counterparts, can even knock them over. To avoid this, you may want to keep the tree in an area that can be closed off from your pets when you aren’t home to monitor. Make sure the tree is secured as solidly as possible. If you have a natural tree, don’t let your dogs or cats chew on branches or needles from the tree. If swallowed, pine needles can become lodged in the intestinal tract and puncture the lining or cause a blockage. You should also prevent them from drinking water from the tree base as it may contain harmful chemicals.
Decorations: Christmas lights, tinsel, and breakable ornaments should be placed away from the bottom of the tree where pets can easily reach them. They can attract unwanted attention and pose a danger if chewed on or knocked down and shattered. Strands of tinsel can be very dangerous to cats especially if swallowed.
Holiday plants and greenery: Several seasonal plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, ivy, and holly are poisonous to pets if ingested.
Candles: You should never leave burning candles unattended, especially when you have pets in the house. Animals may accidentally knock the candles over or cause other items to brush the flame.
Unsafe Foods: It’s easy to get distracted when prepping a holiday meal and entertaining guests, but you’ll want to make sure your pets aren’t eating foods they shouldn’t by stealing them off tables, counters, or from the garbage. Advise guests not to give your pets “treats” from the table or dinner leftovers. Also watch for unattended stockings and Christmas gifts left under the tree that contain candy and other gourmet treats. Some common items that may cause health problems for your pets include high fat foods, bones, candy (especially chocolate and gum or other candy sweetened with Xylitol), garlic, onions, raisins and grapes, nuts, and milk.
Flight Risk: During parties, it’s easy for a pet to slip outside unnoticed when guests are coming and going, and noise may keep them away. When traveling, pets may become agitated or frightened by unfamiliar places, people, noises, or other animals and try to flee or hide if they are separated from you. Holiday fireworks also are another common cause of runaway pets. Whether you travel with your pets or host holiday parties at home, you should make sure your dogs and cats are wearing collars and tags with up-to-date ID that provides a way to reach you, even if they are also micro-chipped. We recommend writing the information on the inside of your pet’s collar with a permanent marker just in case the IDs tag or ring that holds them detaches from the collar.
In Case of Emergency: Finally, make sure you know your vet’s holiday hours and identify the closest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before any emergencies occur. Keep that contact information in your phone to save valuable time when it’s needed.
We hope you and your furry friends have a safe and happy holiday!
