This holiday season is about spending time with our families and friends, eating delicious foods and playing with our little fur babies. But before we get too caught up in the festivities, let's take a moment to ensure that our pets are safe from the hazards of the holidays.
All year long, we have to keep an eye on our pets' safety: keeping them away from poisonous plants and making sure that they don't chew on wires or swallow any dangerous items. But during the holidays, there are new hazards that need to be considered as well. Here are four of the most common holiday pet hazards:
Christmas trees may be beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. If your pet decides to climb the tree and start chewing on the branches, they could ingest some of the needles or pine sap. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding if large amounts are ingested. It's also possible that they will swallow small parts of the tree itself, such as lights and ornaments. These can cause choking, intestinal blockage and even death if not removed immediately.
Plus, tinsel is very dangerous for pets, as it can get caught in their mouths and throats. If they try to chew on the tinsel, they could end up swallowing parts of it which can lead to choking or intestinal blockage. And if your dog likes to play with holiday lights, be sure that they aren’t chewing on them or knocking them over into their water dish.
Candles may be a beautiful addition to your holiday decorations, but they can pose a serious fire hazard if not properly maintained. If you have pets in the home, make sure that no candles are left unattended and keep them away from combustible materials like curtains or paper. It's also important to remember that cats are attracted to the scent of vanilla, so don't leave any vanilla-scented candles burning while your cat is loose in the house.
Holiday plants can add a festive touch to your home but can also pose a risk for pets. While many plants are nontoxic, it's important to remember that some are poisonous if ingested. Lilies, amaryllis bulbs and poinsettias are just some of the common holiday plants that could cause health problems for your cat or dog if eaten.
While sharing your holiday meal with your cat or dog is tempting, some human foods can be toxic. Many foods that are safe for humans can cause illness in pets and may have ingredients that are too rich or spicy for them. It's also important to remember that many human foods are high in calories or sugar, which could make it hard for your pet to lose weight. Chocolate in particular, can be dangerous for your pet. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart and nervous system problems.
In addition to chocolate, onions and garlic are toxic to both dogs and cats. If you're cooking with these ingredients in the kitchen, make sure that no one is sneaking bites of food behind your back—especially if they are small enough to be eaten by a cat or dog.
At It’s A Dog’s Life Resort, expect that your pet will have a stress-free & enjoyable stay. Your pet will be treated with love and care while they are with us, they will get plenty of playtime with other dogs, and the owners can rest easy knowing that their pets are having a great time while they are away this holiday.
Book your pet's boarding appointment now before we book up!
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