The holidays are meant to be a happy time for you, your family, and your pets. So an emergency trip to the veterinarian can certainly put a damper on your festivities. Here are some helpful tips to keeping your pets healthy and joyful this holiday season.
Christmas Tree
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it cannot tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he or she ingest some. Also, make sure your ornaments are securely fastened to the tree limbs. Glass and plastic ornaments can be dangerous if mistaken for a chew toy.
Festive Foods
Fatty, spicy and sugary foods should not be fed to your furry friends. These food can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and even pancreatitis-inflammation of the pancreas. Meat bones may look appetizing to your dog, however they can cause tooth fractures and lacerations to the mouth, throat, and stomach. To be safe, put food leftovers away immediately and never leave food on counters that can easily be reached.
Dumpster Diving
Pet-proof your trash cans. Garbage contains all kinds of other hazards for your pet, such as plastic wrap, 6-pack beverage holders that could cause strangulation, and pieces of ribbon or tinsel. Meat-soaked strings from rump roasts are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a ‘linear string foreign body’ in the intestines.
Candles
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Mistletoe and Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from
silk or plastic, or choose pet-safe bouquets.
Cocktails and Spirits
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the new year, remember that loud noises, such as fireworks, poppers, and horns can terrify pets and could even damage their sensitive ears. Make sure your pets have a quiet place to retreat to with a warm blanket and fresh water.
