Pet Safety Tips for the Festive Holiday Season

The Christmas season is a time for fun and festivities but this is not always the case when it comes to your pets. There are a million things on your mind during the holiday season – but ensure that the safety of your pet is at the top of the list. As you celebrate this festive season, please try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to normal as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations…

Image Courtesy Examiner.com

Here are some holiday pet safety tips for all types of pet owners.

Food and Drink

Christmas is a time of indulgence but some of your favorite foodie treats can be lethal to your pets. Christmas dinner leftovers and sweet treats such as chocolates can present a number of dangers as there could be bones in the meat and rich foods can cause havoc on your pet’s digestive system.

Avoid using edible Christmas decorations on your tree as these are a source of temptation for your cat or your dog.

Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

*Remember also that chocolate is toxic to animals.*

Christmas Decorations

They might look pretty but if you plan to decorate your home with baubles and mistletoe, it is essential that you know which decorations could potentially harm your pet.

Your Christmas tree and the decorations you hang from the branches present the most danger to your pet as they mistake them for toys. In some cases, pets can pull over the Christmas tree and get caught in between the branches. Fallen needles can are also dangerous as they can be swallowed by cats and dogs and the needles can become lodged in the throat. Additionally, stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he/she imbibe.

To avoid these problems, try to anchor your tree down so that your pet cannot knock it over and hoover up the needles that have fallen on a regular basis.

*Avoid tinsel as cats love to play with it but it is hazardous when swallowed and could lead to a costly trip to the vet.*

Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve

Image courtesy ASPCA

It’s normal for these days to get a little rowdy, with loud holiday music, crowds of people at the house and/or fireworks as part of the celebrations. Loud noises can panic any pet so remember to take this into consideration when you are pulling crackers and popping the champagne cork!

If you want to include your pet on Christmas day and give them a little something for under the tree, please enure it’s a pet-safe present. You can find amazing presents for pets at places online like PetSmart or PetSafe.com or Collars and Tags, Ltd.

Keep in mind on Christmas specifically that dogs are known to tear their toys apart and swallow the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.

Also remember that long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of together play time.

Give your pet a quite place to hide out from all of the noise. Make sure they have a haven of sorts to resort to if things get too loud or scary for them.

Additional Pet Safety Tips

With so much going on, it’s easy to get distracted. But try to keep your pet’s well-being in mind at all times.

Lighting candles is all part of creating a festive feel but do not leave candles unattended in a place where a cat or a dog could knock them over. They could not only burn themselves but they could start a fire in your home.

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 a pet-safe bouquet.

The above tips are just a few of the pet precautions you should be taking over the festive season.

If you want to surprise your cat or dog with a pet friendly gift this Christmas, go online and visit Collars and Tags Ltd. You can find hundreds of gifts at low prices.