Keeping Pets Safe and Jolly This Holiday Season

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It’s fun to include our furry friends in the holiday festivities. However, it is crucial to keep your pets safe and out of harm’s way during holiday get-togethers and seasonal family feasts. 

Be mindful when you decorate your Christmas tree. Certain ornaments are unsafe for dogs and cats, and glass can be especially dangerous. Check the electrical cords before you turn on the twinkling lights, as chewing on them can lead to severe injuries and electrical shock. 

It is always wise to have your pets microchipped and wearing identification collars as a precaution should they get loose as guests come in and out of the house. 

Holiday Safety Tips 

The joy of the holiday season is magical, and involving our animal companions can make it even more special. All too often, pets get sick or hurt because of holiday hazards. To make sure your holiday celebrations with your pet are merry and bright, follow these pet holiday safety tips:

Avoid Certain Christmas Tree Ornaments

Decorated Christmas trees look delightful and inviting, especially when lit and covered with delicate ornaments. A beautifully adorned Christmas tree is part of the magic of Christmas. However, some Christmas tree ornaments should be avoided when you have a dog or cat:

• Glass ornaments
• Edible ornaments
• Salt-dough ornaments
• Thin plastic ornaments

All the above can prove hazardous for your furry friends. Glass ornaments can easily break and injure your pet’s pretty paws. According to The Kennel Club,  “Glass or thin-plastic Christmas decorations can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed and could cut their mouths or cause lacerations down their throat or their gut.” 

Salt-dough ornaments can be dangerous to pets, as the high salt content can make them very sick, cause electrolyte imbalance, and could even be lethal. Edible ornaments made from chocolate should also be avoided, as the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate are toxic to our fur babies. Shatterproof and fabric and thread-based ornaments are safest for pets. 

Be Careful With Tinsel And Other Decorations  

Tinsel and other decorations can be dangerous, even deadly, for our pets. Cats tend to find shiny, sparkly tinsel irresistible, and despite its cheerful charm, you should never use tinsel as a decoration with curious furry felines in the home. Tinsel is also unsafe for our precious pups. 

Cats In The City states, “If a cat swallows tinsel, it can cause serious health issues. The long, thin strands can become lodged in the intestines, leading to blockages and potential surgical emergencies. This can be a life-threatening situation for our feline friends.” Some other unsafe decorations:

• Ribbons
• Candles 
• Snow globes
• Artificial snow 

Christmas lights are hazardous for pets. They can become injured or even electrocuted. There are ways you can pet-proof your home at Christmastime. Plastic Cord Protectors are helpful to keep your pet from chewing on the cord. These special protectors will provide a shield for the cord to prevent dangerous gnawing.  

Avoid Unsafe Holiday Foliage

Holiday foliage can put your pet at risk. If your pet ingests any part of these toxic plants, it can result in an emergency vet visit. It will ruin you and your dog or cat’s holiday if they have to spend time at the vet when you should be home with them enjoying the festivities. Some poisonous holiday plants to avoid:

• Mistletoe
• Jerusalem Cherry 
• Lilies and Daffodils
• Ivy and Holly Berries

These items may seem to add a touch of enchantment to your holiday décor, but it is not worth it. They are highly poisonous for dogs and cats. If they consume any of the above, it can easily prove fatal. It is best not to have these plants in your home if you have pets. 

Do Not Feed Unsafe Human Foods

Many human holiday foods are not good for pets and can trigger serious health issues like pancreatitis. Turkey with gravy is too high in fat and added seasonings and spices may harm them. Turkey bones should never be given to your dog or cat, as pieces of bone can become trapped in their stomach or intestines, which can cause a blockage.  

As mentioned earlier, chocolate is toxic for them. Anything with onions and garlic, such as stuffing, should be avoided. Pumpkin pie is loaded with sugar and may include nutmeg. Xylitol is fake sugar and can cause a significant drop in your pet’s blood sugar, seizures, or even death. 

Any type of candy or dessert containing xylitol should be off-limits for your pet. If you want your pet to be part of the family holiday meal, plain canned pumpkin offers them nutrients and fiber. It can also help with both constipation and diarrhea. Plain white turkey is acceptable. 

There are also safe desserts for dogs, like homemade treats and cookies that contain ingredients like dog-friendly cookie dough, applesauce and oatmeal, and even spinach. Never leave food unattended at family holiday dinners and get-togethers. As a general rule, keep human foods out of paw’s reach. 

Conclusion 

You can involve your furry friends in the holiday festivities and cheer if you keep them safe and take the proper precautions. Some ornaments can harm your dog or cat. Christmas decorations and foliage should be pet-friendly and make sure human holiday foods are safe. There is no reason not to have Fido and Fluffy around when you have your Christmas dinner, decorate the tree, and enjoy the merriment. Our beloved pets are part of the family and deserve to be part of the holiday fun.If you think your pet may have ingested any poisonous items, do not hesitate to call 888-426-4435 for help from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

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