Furry Festivities: Keeping your Pets safe during the Holidays

By Candace Tucker, Special to The Shopper

The holiday season is often a joyous time to gather with family and friends. It is also a busy time as you may be gift shopping, preparing your infamous green bean casserole, or hosting extended family.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, your pets, who many times are part of the family, can unintentionally be forgotten. By keeping your furry friends (or family) in mind during the holidays, you can steer clear of any hazards that could cause harm to your pet.

Whether you’re traveling cross country or enjoying the holidays at home, here are 4 tips to keep your pets safe during the holidays.

1. Keep toxic foods and plants away from your pets. These include mistletoe, poinsettias, holly, chocolate, onions, grapes, macadamia nuts, yeast dough, alcohol, and xylitol – an ingredient found in gum, candy and baked goods. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in high doses, death.

2. Christmas trees need to be securely anchored to a base to prevent from falling onto your pet or spilling tree water. Tree water contains fertilizer and/or bacteria that can cause stomach upset if ingested.

3. Holiday decorations easily catch the eye of your pets. Some pets may see your holiday decor as a toy or attempt to eat them. Keep lights, candles, tinsel, wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of your pet’s reach. If ingested, these can cause burns and/or damage to your pet’s digestive tract.

4. Hosting guests this year? Plan with your pet in mind. Set house rules for your guests if they choose to interact with your pet. Give your pet a room or “safe” space to relax while you have company. The same goes for fireworks or any noise-causing devices, which oftentimes can scare or damage the ears of your pets.

These proactive tips are not foolproof, because things happen. Always contact your local veterinarian if you suspect your pet has put themselves in a harmful situation.