Holly, Jolly, Folly: Don’t Forget About Holiday Pet Safety!
It’s reasonable to think that once you pet-proof your home, you don’t really have to worry about it anymore. Fluffy stopped chewing on your laptop cord ages ago, and Fido hasn’t been interested in your kitchen scraps lately. You’re all good, right? Maybe, but with the holidays fast approaching, you might want to amp up your household vigilance.
While this is a time for spreading joy and goodwill, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are also overflowing with opportunities for danger, trouble, or both. That’s precisely why our team came up with the following guide to holiday pet safety.
Abundance!
It’s as common for pets as it is for people to put on a little weight around the holidays. This is due to a number of reasons, not just an indulgence of buttery goodness every now and again. For starters, your pet’s routine can be easily disrupted during the holidays due to an increase of events on your household calendar. Keeping up your pet’s typical meal and exercise times will go a long way toward seasonal wellness.
Not for You (I’m Sorry)
Your pet’s pleading look at the holiday table should not result in a nibble of any of these potentially toxic or dangerous foods:
- Chocolate
- Any fatty meat
- Rich, buttery foods
- Anything containing garlic, onion, or sage
- Gravy
- Baked goods sweetened with Xylitol
- Items made with grapes, raisins, or currants
- Bones
- Alcohol
We like the idea of creating a little buffet just for your pet to sample before or while your family sits down to eat. Steamed plain or sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, and small cuts of cooked lean meat should do the trick nicely.
The Thing About Decor
The holidays are definitely a time to go all out, but decorating with the following items cautiously (or not at all) can save your pet from an emergency situation:
- Tinsel
- Imitation snow
- Plants such as poinsettias, holly berries, mistletoe, and lilies
- Snow globes (some imported types can actually be filled with antifreeze!)
- Festive lit candles
- Liquid potpourri
- Any dangling ribbon
- Lights that fall on or near the floor
- Edible ornaments
A Word About the Evergreen
Holiday trees are wonderful, but many commercial retailers sell products that have been sprayed with a chemical preservative. This can actually leach out into the water reservoir in the tree stand, so don’t allow your pet to sneak a drink.
Also, fallen pine needles can get lodged in your pet’s throat. Try to vacuum around the tree as often as possible to avoid this painful outcome.
Holiday Pet Safety
Have you ever thought of boarding your pet with us? Not only does this allow your pet to escape an otherwise loud, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous environment, but this allows us to love and pamper your pet!
If your pet will be staying at home, they may opt for the quiet space you’ve provided away from all the commotion. Dim the lights, play soft music, and have their favorite things waiting to make your pet feel better.
Guests should be informed not to feed your pet or let them outside without your knowledge. To be on the safe side, make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date and tags can be clearly read.
Happy Holidays!
If you need additional help regarding holiday pet safety, please contact us. Have a happy and safe holiday season!