Holiday festivities bring warmth and joy to many households — but they also can pose hidden dangers to our four-legged friends. Pet owners should be mindful of the potential dangers during December, from toxic treats to hazardous holiday decorations.
The following tips can help you keep your pets safe and healthy throughout the season.
Deck the halls with care
When decorating your home and outdoor living spaces, choose pet-friendly options. Seasonal plants like mistletoe, ivy, holly and poinsettias are toxic to animals and should be kept out of reach or out of the house altogether.
Cats, especially, are notorious for climbing Christmas trees and playing with shiny ornaments, so ensure your tree is secure. Opt for ribbon garland instead of tinsel, which can pose a choking hazard.
Finally, with real trees, it’s important to know that ingesting tree water can cause animals to have an upset stomach.
Keep Santa’s treats out of reach
As tempting as it may be to share your holiday spread with pets, it’s safer to avoid it.
Don’t share leftovers or scraps of food, and be sure to keep sweets out of reach. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, peppermint, raisins and desserts sweetened with xylitol are all commonly found during the holiday season, and they can be extremely toxic to pets.
Instead, find pet-friendly treats they can enjoy so you can avoid an emergency trip to the vet.
Plan a pet-friendly gathering
The hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings can increase stress in pets. Make sure they have a quiet place to escape the noise, away from all the holiday hubbub.
Fireworks are a beautiful addition to celebrations, especially New Year’s Eve, but they are also a major source of anxiety for many furry friends, so make sure to put pets in a calming, escape-proof room.
Also, this is a great time to make sure pets are microchipped and that the contact info on the chip and their ID tag is current, so if they do get out the person who finds them can easily contact you.
Make a list and check it twice
Plan ahead by researching which emergency veterinarians are open during the holidays. Many clinics close, so having a list of available options can make all the difference in a time-sensitive situation.
Following these tips can help keep this holiday season joyful and safe for everyone in your household.
Editor’s note: Kimberly Vermillion is director of marketing and communications for Phoenix-based Arizona Animal Welfare League, the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Founded in 1971, AAWL has saved the lives of over 100,000 cats and dogs by providing a full range of services for animals and pet owners, including adoptions, behavior training and low-cost medical care. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
