Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

The holidays are certainly known as a time for excitement especially, while preparing for all the upcoming activities, meals, and decorating.   If you’re a pet owner, you also need to keep in mind just how festive plants, lighting or other changes around your house can affect your pet's safety. Listed below are some tips that'll keep your pets safe from harm this holiday season.

1. Electrical Cords

Generally, holiday lights and decorations mean cords scattered about the house. Pets are certain to be tempted to play and chew. It may be a good idea to unplug cords when you’re away to minimize the risk of electrocution.

2. Keeping Food Out of Reach

Oh, how we love to eat all those delicious foods and desserts. Let's not forget the festive drinks as well.  It's important to remember, there are a host of delicacies dogs and cats shouldn't eat because it could make them sick. When you're clearing the table and counter, try to wrap and store items quickly and take out the trash.  Our pets are tempted easily and if it smells enticing, they'll do anything to get to it.   

3. Ditch the Candles

Candles lit about the house are charming and festive.  They can be dangerous when left unattended around pets because of their playfulness and curiosity.  You might want to consider opting for battery-lit candles instead to help keep everyone safe during the holidays.

4. Holiday Plants

Plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias could cause your dog or cat to have cardiovascular or gastrointestinal issues if ingested. It's best to avoid the temptation, then ending up losing a pet or paying a very high vet bill if an incident occurs.

5. Updating Vaccinations and IDs

It’s a good idea to ensure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date, especially if you’re planning to travel. You should also ensure their identification tags include your current home address and contact information. This can be helpful in case they accidentally get loose or slip out the door as guests come to and from your home.

6. Creating a Safe Space

Consider creating a specific area or room where pets can go to escape from the hustle and bustle of visiting guests.  Too much commotion can be overwhelming and stressful especially when overly-rambunctious children are around. 

7. Decorate With Safety in Mind

Holiday trees and other decorations can be a safety hazard to your pets. Cats and dogs may be interested in dangling decorations and lights on holiday trees and could accidentally knock the tree over from playfulness.  Avoid stringing lights and decorations on low-hanging tree branches, or anywhere else within your pet’s reach, to help deter chewing and strangulation. Avoid tinsel, as it could cause an intestinal blockage if ingested.

8. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Being prepared if the unexpected happens is important. Keep contact information for your veterinarian, a 24-hour pet hospital, and the Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) easily accessible in case of an emergency.  It's better to take extra precautions than to be sorry later.