The holiday season is filled with more... more decorations, more excitement, more food, more traveling, and more people around. Not only can people get a little stressed, but your pets can be a little more on-edge, too. In order to make the holidays pleasant for yourself and your furry friends, we have 13 tips below.
1. O Christmas Tree
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
2. Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Additionally, many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
3. No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
4. Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
5. Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
6. House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session. If taking them outside, be sure to let your guests know whether your pet needs to remain on their leash, what areas they are allowed to go to, etc.
7. Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell any house guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
8. Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallow the pieces which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible such as Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the riskiest toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer for tons of play sessions together.
9. That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface and if you leave the room, put the candle out!
10. Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
11. Safe Travels
If you are traveling with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers. A pet seat belt is a safety feature to invest in, too. While it's cute to see dogs with their heads out the window, this can be dangerous, as they could get hit with low-hanging branches or other debris that is in the air, causing trauma to their eyes or head.
12. A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
13. New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.
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