The holidays are many people’s favorite time of year– understandably so! From the bright decorations and warm comfort foods, to the celebrations with family and friends, there is plenty to enjoy. However, it’s easy to forget that these seasonal festivities can be hazardous to our furry friends. Cats and dogs are curious by nature and may want to get in on the action! It’s important to know what may pose a risk beforehand, so you can be sure your fur family is safe and happy this time of year too!
1. Secure Your Decorations – Whether it’s a Christmas tree or a menorah, plenty of common holiday decorations can pose a risk to your furry friends. If you’re putting up a tree, make sure to secure it; cats LOVE to get their claws on these trees and climb them! You can also put up barriers around the tree to try to prevent them from jumping up. Beware of tinsel as well! The gleaming shine of it is a sure way to lure in your cats; some dogs even like it too, so steer clear! If it’s a menorah you’re decorating with, you may want to choose a flameless one if you have pets in the house; otherwise, you run the risk of an animal knocking it over and starting a fire.
2. No Kissing Under the Mistletoe – While mistletoe and holly is a great way to spruce up your home and add some holiday cheer, it may be a good idea to skip it if you have pets. If your pet decides to chow down on some holly, they may suffer from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can also cause an upset stomach, as well as cardiovascular problems. Artificial plants are a good alternative if want to decorate without the risk!
3. Give Your Pets a Safe Space – While your pups may be thrilled to have the company and random petting of your closest family and friends, that doesn’t mean Fido won’t be tempted to sneak out at some point. It’s easy to lose track of your pet if you’re throwing a party or attending someone else’s. You know your pet best, so create a plan that will keep them safe during holiday festivities.
4. No Feasting For Fido – Make sure that your pets don’t get their paws on harmful holiday foods! If you’re having guests over, be sure to inform them of the hazards of feeding your pets table food. You can set up a designated “safe treats” table if you really want your pets to share in the festivities without feeling left out!
Enjoy your howlidays with these above tips and your pets will be just fine! While it can be easy to forget that our furry friends aren’t human at times, it’s important to remember they have special needs that need to be attended to. As long as you take extra pupcautions beforehand, there should be nothing to worry about except having to decide…hot chocolate or hot toddy?