The holidays are suppose to be a happy and joyful time for everyone – including your pets. However this time of year can also be a dangerous time for your pets if you are not careful and diligent about keeping them out of harm’s way.
As a pet mom I make extra certain that the holidays don’t mean a trip (or two) to the emergency vet (we already have enough vet bills). Not only that, I wouldn’t want our holiday ruined if one of our beloved pets gets seriously ill or becomes a fatality.
Here are some helpful safety tips to ensure that your furry friend is safe this holiday season.
Keep holiday plants out of reach. Some plants – especially Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Holly and Lilies) are toxic for pets if they ingest them. Even pine cones and tree needles can cause intestinal damage if swallowed. Make sure to vacuum under your tree often.
Cats love shiny, dangling things. As pretty as it is consider leaving it off your tree is better for our feline friend. Not only can they swallow the tinsel but they can also pull down the tree if it’s not secured properly, or knock down decorations which could also be a potential health hazard.
If your cat likes to climb inside your Christmas tree hanging a lemon scented car air freshener, or placing orange peels at the base of the tree could stop them. Most cats don’t like the smell of citrus.
Avoid putting lights and decorations on low branches. The last thing you want is you pup chewing through the lights and getting electrocuted or chewing up your favorite ornaments.
NEVER EVER leave your pet alone in a room with lit candles. That is a major fire hazard. Use flameless candles. They give of the same appeal but are much safer to use around pets (and small children).
If possible secure your tree. Sometimes pets might accidently bump into a tree which could cause it to fall down and injure your pet plus break many of your valuable and precious ornaments.
Use a pet friendly tree preservative if you use a real Christmas tree. Dogs and cats often will drink the water you use to keep your tree hydrated. When in doubt just use fresh, clean water to water your tree and try and keep your pet from drinking out of it. Stagnant tree water contains A LOT of bacteria which could make your pet very ill.
If you like to put edible goodies in stockings be sure to hand them up high enough so your pet cannot reach them. Edible goodies smell good to dogs and they might tear into the stocking before you do. Some foods, like chocolate, are toxic to animals and it can make the very sick.
As you are toasting to the end of the current year and welcoming in the New Year be sure to keep the cocktails out of reach. Unlike humans, pets don’t get drunk – they can get severely sick if they drink alcohol, possibly even going into respiratory failure, a coma or even dying from ingesting alcohol.
Don’t serve your pet “people food” and make sure all food is out of reach. Bones for example (turkey, ham or lamb) can splinter and get stuck in your pet’s throat or intestines. Not only that, too much people food can make our pet obese and it can upset their stomachs. I’m sure you don’t want to spend Christmas morning cleaning up dog diarrhea from you carpet.
Make sure your pet cannot get into the garbage. Grandma’s fruitcake that you toss into the garbage could contain things like raisins which are toxic for dogs. Other ingredients, like garlic, is also bad for your pet.
Make sure there are not little things lying around that could be swallowed by your pet, like button cell batteries and small toys.
The holidays might seem merry and bright to you, but a house full of strangers can be very stressful on your pet. Consider putting your pet/pets into a backroom, away from all the festivities. Not only will it make it less stressful for your pet but also safer for your guests. Frightened pets might lash out and scratch or bite a guest.
If you are having house guests this holiday season be sure to talk to them about pet safety. Make sure they don’t leave valuable lying around or things like prescription medication or dentures. You wouldn’t want Fido taking a chomp out of grandpa’s chompers.
If you live in an area that gets cold make sure that your pet keeps warm too. Even though your pet has fur doesn’t mean it can’t get affected by the elements. Be sure to keep your pet warm and cozy on Winter walks and limit their time outdoors, especially in bitter temperatures. Also, be sure to check the pads of your pets feed for rock salt. Rock salt left in their paws can burn and cause them pain.
If you use streamers and confetti to celebrate the New Year be sure to clean up immediately so that your dog or cat doesn’t eat the confetti or streamers. If the New York City Sanitation Department can clean up Times Square lightening fast after the ball drops, you can certainly get your living room vacuumed in a matter of minutes.
In case of emergencies make sure you have first aid supplies specifically made for pets. Not all vets are open during the holidays (especially on Christmas and New Year’s day). It’s important that you keep a first aid kit for your furry friend to help with minor injuries.
Dr. Emmo’s carries a line of pet friendly first aid products that are non-toxic, all natural and safe to lick. The product line includes;
Dr. Emmo’s Wound Care Spray Wash is intended to be the first of a two-step process for the treatment of pets with minor cuts, scrapes and skin irritations. This fine cleansing spray works to thoroughly rinse, remove and flush bacteria in all minor pet wounds.
The second step in this wound care system is the application of Wound Care Spray Gel to the wound site. This easy to apply gel with its viscous formulation is intended to stick to the wound site, keeping the wound clean and protected throughout the healing process.
The Ear Care Rinse offers immediate relief to wax build up and pesky irritations of the ear.
Dr. Emmo’s Eye Care Wash is an antibiotic-free formulation designed as a “one-step”, all-natural, topical eye care rinse for use in all animal eyes. It relieves eye irritation, burning, scratching while killing 99.9% of bacteria/germs.
Dr. Emmo’s motto is “Accidents will happen… be prepared everywhere”. That means your pet is vunlunerable to accidents 365 days out of the year, not just during the holidays.
For more information visit www.DrEmmos.com. You can also follow Dr. Emmo’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Do you have any special safety tips you’d like to share?
Happy Holidays from my furry friends to yours. 🙂
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this for the benefit of my site readers.
Mary Happymommy says
These are good tips. I haven’t put up the Christmas tree yet, but I know I’m going to have to be vigilant with our dog.
ellen beck says
My cats are fascinated by the lights, cords, you name it. The citrus stuff really does work but you have to remember to reapply it. I use citrus all over the place!
Deb E says
I watched my Yorkie like a child, never letting him out of my site. The breeder I purchased him from (at age two) said he got into some M&Ms and ate most of the bag! The tip on guests knowing about your pets is good.
Lauren E. says
Great tips, my kitten wants to tear down the ornaments, so we had to remove all the glass ones