Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

It’s a busy time, and often we overlook our pets’ needs during the frantic preparations for our family’s enjoyment, leaving them susceptible to harm.

Remember... our pets are part of our family! Extra care should be taken at these times so that we relieve their anxieties and keep curious noses out of harm’s way.

Be extra protective of your pets during the holidays.

Basic Safety Tips:

During the holiday season, keep your pet out of the kitchen while you are preparing for the "big" meal.

You don’t want to be tripping over your "little or big pal," causing an accident to you both. And with all the commotion of guests coming in and out of your home during the holidays, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification!

A lost pet during the holidays is no fun.

Food

If you won’t eat it, your pet shouldn’t either! Resist giving your pet foods that are too rich, fatty or spicy, which will upset its stomach or possibly trigger worse problems.

A small portion of beef or poultry as a holiday treat is quite acceptable, but don’t make a habit of slipping your pet little tidbits as it can lead to poor eating habits and also encourages begging, which is an annoying habit to break.

Try to keep your pet on its regular diet and ask your guests to resist handing them a "little" treat. Explain to children that candy can be harmful and make a pet sick. If you want to treat your dog, get lots of biscuits and catnip toys.

Chocolate—can be poison to your pet. It is toxic. Signs of chocolate poisoning are: hyper excitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Candies—keep them out of reach of all pets. The foil wrappers can cause internal injuries if swallowed.

Also, don't forget to give your pet plenty of water. It is very easy to overlook such small things during the holiday season. Also, don't be lazy when it comes to giving your pet pure water purified by high quality water purifier. If you don't have one, here is the list of the best water filters under 15000.

Remember, water is very important. Lack of sufficient water can cause dehydration, which may result in many complications. Pets can't tell you when they need water, so always keep water pot around them. Besides, water can provide lots of essential minerals to your pet, which is great for skin and also for proper functioning of the body, like digestion.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks can also be hazardous to pets. Some friends might think it’s funny to slip your pet some of their alcoholic drink, but you won’t think it’s funny when your pet passes out, is vomiting or has diarrhea.

Please remind guests that alcohol is for them only.

Candles

Be careful of your placement of candles. Wagging tails can easily knock them over, slipping hot wax onto your carpet and furniture, or even worse, your pet could sustain a serious burn or start a fire.

Plants

Pets may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many plants can cause severe stomach problems. Plants to watch out for include: mistletoe, holly berries, poinsettia, Christmas cactus, hemlock, ivy, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis.

Keep all of these plants out of your pets reach. You may also spray the plants leaves with "Bitter Apple" repellent.

This may help keep your pets away from the plants. Also, pick up and toss any berries, leaves or stems that may have fallen off.

Implement these tips during the holiday season to keep your pets safe.