Keep your furry friend safe this holiday season by eliminating any additional chewing opportunities or safety hazards that could possibly lead to an emergency visit to your veterinarian.
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.
If swallowed by your pet, tinsel and ribbon can get tangled up in their intestines and could result in an emergency visit to the veterinarian.
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!
Ornaments can also be hazardous to your pet. Hang small or fragile ornaments where you pet can’t accidentally knock them off with the wagging of a tail or swish of a paw.
Pets are attracted to holiday lights and may be tempted to chew on them. Be sure to keep the electrical cords taped down or out of reach of your pets.
Bones from turkey and other traditional main courses around the holidays can have dangerous effects as well. Cooked bones especially can splinter and break, causing serious internal injury. Many of your favorite holiday dishes include ingredients that can be poisonous for your dog or cat and can cause serious illness.
Many traditional holiday plants can cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested by your dog or cat. These include holly, mistletoe and amaryllis. Poinsettias for example are very toxic to dogs. Lilies are also extremely toxic for cats, even contact with the pollen or water in the vase may be enough to cause kidney failure.
And finally, provide a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place) if you’re entertaining guests. If your pet is excitable or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed.