The holiday season is a time for celebration but can also bring unique risks for our furry family members. At Lenity Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care, we want to ensure your pets stay happy and healthy with these essential Holiday Pet Safety Tips. By following these precautions, you can focus on making cherished memories while keeping your pets safe.
1. Holiday Decorations: Protect Your Pets from Hidden Dangers
Decorating your home is part of the holiday magic, but festive items can harm pets. Here are some Holiday Pet Safety Tips to keep in mind as you deck the halls:
- Tinsel and Ornaments: Shiny decorations are tempting for pets, especially cats. However, if ingested, tinsel can cause life-threatening intestinal damage, and fragile ornaments can shatter and injure your pet. To keep your pets safe, stick with non-breakable ornaments and skip the tinsel altogether.
- Electrical Cords: Twinkling lights are beautiful but can attract curious chewers. Unplug your lights when you cannot supervise your pets, and use grounded extension cords as an added safety measure. You can also purchase cord protectors such as the Chewsafe Cord Cover, PetCords Dog & Cat Protector.
2. Toxic Plants: Choose Pet-Safe Options
Festive plants like poinsettias, lilies, amaryllis, and holly are toxic to pets. It is safest not to bring these plants into your home. Instead, decorate with these pet-friendly alternatives:
- Red Roses in place of Poinsettias
- White Orchids instead of Lilies
- Achira instead of Amaryllis
- Autumn Olive instead of Holly
Switching to these alternatives is one of the simplest Holiday Pet Safety Tips you can follow to protect your furry friends.
3. Keep Food Hazards at Bay
Sharing food is a cherished holiday tradition, but festive favorites can be dangerous for pets. Many holiday treats contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to them, including:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Xylitol sweetener
These hazards aren’t limited to the raw ingredients—they can also be hidden in hot and cold drinks, candies, desserts, and side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes or turkey dressing. If your pet eats any foods containing the above ingredients, contact pet poison control immediately.
- Poultry and Meat Bones
Bones can cause choking, broken teeth, mouth injuries, or gastrointestinal blockages and tears. Cooked bones are especially risky as they splinter easily, and raw bones may carry bacteria. Instead, opt for vet-approved chew toys or dental treats. If your pet has issues after eating a bone, contact us immediately.
To follow our Holiday Pet Safety Tips:
- Keep food out of your pet’s reach.
- Ask guests not to share their meals with your pets.
- Clean up spills and dropped food immediately.
4. Cold Weather Precautions for Your Pets
Even if winter temperatures in our area are not extreme, cooler weather still requires extra care for pets. Occasional cold spells can occur where temperatures dip low enough to pose a risk for frostbite to pets. Protecting your pet from the cold is a critical part of Holiday Pet Safety Tips:
- Know Your Pet’s Limits: Pets with short coats, health conditions, or advanced age may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
- Bundle Up: Use a coat or sweater for short-haired pets to keep them warm during outdoor walks.
- Protect Their Paws: Apply paw balm or use booties to shield their pads from cold surfaces.
5. Antifreeze: A Hidden Holiday Hazard
Antifreeze is a common hazard during the colder months. Its sweet taste appeals to pets, but even small amounts can be fatal. Clean up spills immediately and use pet-safe antifreeze products containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. This precaution is crucial to following Holiday Pet Safety Tips to prevent emergencies.
6. Know Who to Call for Pet Emergencies
Despite your best efforts, holiday mishaps can happen. Keep the following numbers handy in case of an emergency:
- Pet Poison Helpline:855-764-7661
- Your Pet’s Primary Care Veterinarian
- Lenity Vet Specialist & Emergency Care: 650 513-6660
- 24-hour Emergency Vet Hospital Near You
Our Holiday Wishes for You
By following these Holiday Pet Safety Tips, you can help your pets stay safe and healthy throughout the festive season. If you have any concerns or need assistance, the Lenity Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care team is here to help.
From all of us at Lenity, we wish you and your furry companions a joyful and safe holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
Your Friends at Lenity Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care