Most pet owners don’t realize it, but pets are exposed to more hazards
during the holidays than any other time of the year. Here are some tips
for keeping your pets safe this holiday season.
- Holiday treats, alcoholic beverages, scraps and bones can be
harmful or toxic to pets. Keep your pets on a regular diet and caution
visitors against giving them human food. - Keep all candies and their wrappers put away. Foil wrappers can be like razors if ingested.
- Supervise all candles – pets are attracted to the bright flickering flames.
- Decorations should be carefully placed so pets can’t swallow small pieces.
- Cover or tack down electrical cords.
- Don’t give your pet large quantities of turkey or ham during the
holidays. Overfeeding of human food can cause health problems and
unsatisfactory eating and begging habits. - Never feed pets bones, especially poultry bones. Each year
thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, a
potentially fatal condition. - Don’t feed pets drippings. Human seasonings aren’t good for pets, and the rich stock can easily upset their digestive systems.
- Remember
that many holiday lights have moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on
the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) ingested. - Don’t decorate with angelhair (spun glass) as it can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.
- Artificial snow and snow flock can cause toxicity from inhalation if sprayed in the mouth.
- Hang
valuable ornaments high on the Christmas tree. Use wooden, medal, or
resin-cast on the lower branch ornaments. Tinsel isn’t toxic, but if
ingested, it could cause choking and/or intestinal obstruction. - Avoid tying ribbons around pets necks and keep ribbons and bows put away to prevent pets from eating them.
- Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted 1/4 inch ribbons of light-weight twine or yarn.
- Increased activity and visitors during the holiday season can upset
your pet’s routine. Try to keep them on their regular routines, and
always give lots of love!
