Top 10 Pet Safety Tips This Holiday Season
December 22, 2017
Unless your dog is used to a house full of people making lots of noise, then the holidays can be a stressful time for some pets. From crackers going off to the crinkly sounds of wrapping paper, sometimes it’s all too overwhelming. So set up a chill-out room for your cats and dogs so they can go for a timeout when they need it.
It’s a great idea to secure your pets away from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays if they’re nervous around people. Smaller pets especially risk getting in the way of elderly friends and relatives who aren’t too steady on their feet. You don’t want anybody getting hurt, and if it’s for their own safety, you don’t need to feel bad about them missing the fun.
Some pets will actually prefer to stay away from the action the whole time, while others will enjoy being part of the festivities. It all depends on your cat or dog and how mischievous they are. If your pets are well-behaved and won’t get into the appetizers or beg for food and be a regular nuisance, then let them mingle.
Just make sure they’re out of harm’s way. Here are 10 things to keep away from your pet, thanks to the ASPCA and their Pet Safety Tips:
Cookies and Candy
Chocolate is the big one you have to watch out for with dogs in particular. Dogs are unable to digest theobromine found in cocoa, so it’s very toxic to them. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine and the more toxic it is to your dog.
Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts
Certain nuts are poisonous to dogs, mainly because of their high fat content. If a dog eats a lot of these kinds of nuts over time, he stands a very high chance of developing pancreatitis. Some dogs experience a severe allergic reaction after eating just one Macadamia nut or walnut. So keep the nuts away from the dogs.
Grapes, Raisins, Avocados, Onions, Garlic
Similarly, other foods like grapes, raisins, avocados, onions and garlic if ingested by dogs can create very high toxic levels in their systems. Raisins are in a lot of Christmas cookies and treats, as well as onions in the gravy and dressing. So exercise caution and spare your dog the scraps.
Fatty Trimmings and Bones
Poultry bones are never a good idea for any pet as they splinter easily and can cause great damage to the digestive tract. Fatty trimmings will inevitably give your dog diarrhea and nobody wants to pick that up the next day.
Artificial Sweeteners
Watch out for these ones, because they are toxic to pets and can cause severe liver damage over time.
Alcohol
As much as your dog or cat might look like they’re enjoying that frosty beer, they’ll be suffering later and if they drink too much, will definitely need a trip to the emerge.
Lights and Candles
A potential fire hazard, make sure your pets cannot upset lights or candles.
Holiday Plants
So many of the plants we see at this time of year are not compatible for your pets. So better to keep poinsettias, mistletoe, amaryllis, and holly out of the house.
Holiday Decorations
Tinsel, glitter, ribbon all of these temptations taste yummy to your dog or cat, so make sure you keep these out of their reach.
Electrical Cords
Might look good to chew for a pet, but one bite is all it takes for a nasty shock. Try and keep these out of sight and away from the lower branches of the tree so your pet won’t be tempted.
With so much to look out for, you can see why it’s sometimes a lot easier and less stressful on both of you if your pets are secured away somewhere quiet and safe during the festivities. It’s your call and you know your pet best of all. As long as your pets are safe, there’s no need to worry.
Happy Holidays!
by Natalie Secretan
PuppyDogCapers.com