6 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holiday Season
Some of the best things about the holidays put pets at risk. Thanksgiving dinner may have surprise toxins for your counter-surfing dog, common decorations may lead to emergency vet trips, and anxious pets have extra things to fear. Basic prevention goes a long way, and a touch of caution can help all your loved ones enjoy the season.
1- Check Your Pet’s Microchip
Whether you’re having guests over for a holiday meal, hosting the office gift exchange, or simply spending time with family, an open door invites pets on a dangerous adventure. Startling events like loud parades and fireworks displays can also trigger panic.
Microchipping pets dramatically improves their chances of coming home if something goes wrong. However, microchips aren’t perfect, and one of the best ways to keep your pet safe is to visit the vet for a chip check. Ensure the tag is easy to find, still active, and lists the correct information.
2- Be Aware of Poisonous Seasonal Foods
While you probably know not to feed your pets chocolate, grapes, or alcohol, the list of toxic and dangerous ingredients doesn’t end there. Common ingredients in seasonal dishes like stuffing are not pet-friendly. These include garlic, onions, chives, and nuts. If you’re making bread, cinnamon rolls, or other yeast dough treats, keep furry friends away. The dough can expand and damage pets’ stomachs.
3- Keep Decorations Out of Reach
Be aware of shiny, breakable objects and the hazard they pose to curious animals. Glass ornaments can shatter with a curious swipe of a cat’s paw or a dog’s wagging tail. Fire safety is always important with candles, but that’s doubly true with hairy pets. Keep tinsel, ribbons, and string out of reach, too. These get stuck in animals’ intestines.
4- Avoid Poinsettias
If these brilliant flowers are a must for your holidays, arrange them with care. Although they’re rarely deadly (unless eaten in massive volumes), they often make pets sick. No one wants to see their dog, cat, or horse suffering during the happiest time of the year. Set the flowers where dogs can’t reach, and reconsider buying one this year if your cat grazes on other houseplants.
5- Bring Pets Inside for Fireworks and Parades
Even if your animals enjoy time outside, bring them in before loud events. Animal control officers see a major increase in lost pets during holiday fireworks displays, so keep your most vulnerable friends safe and secure. Bring them in before New Year’s Eve fireworks start, ideally before sunset, and plan to stay in or hire a dog-sitter. If you worry about an elderly dog or new puppy holding their bladder all night, set out puppy pads.
6- Ask Your Vet About Calming Treats
Stress is bad for everyone, and a happy holiday should be a healthy holiday for the entire family. Even sociable animals can be exhausted by a full house, loud music, and changes in their environment. This goes without mentioning fireworks. Talk to your vet or consider over-the-counter calming treats and medicines for anxious pets. If possible, see how the treatment affects your pet before they face extra stressors.
