From decorations to parties and toxic foods, there are many ways your pet can get in trouble during the holidays. It is important to mind the safety of your furry friend. The Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has put together a list of pet hazards that you should watch out for, whichever holiday you might be celebrating.
Delicious Hazards
The holiday season features some of the best foods that even your furry friend wants a piece of. However, pet experts recommend that their diet should remain the same. Foods that are spicy, sweet, or fatty can be hazardous. Chicken or turkey bones and alcohol are equally hazardous for your pet, too.
Tinsel Can Be Dangerous
While tinsel is pretty and sparkly, it can also be hazardous to your pet. This is especially true for your feline friends. They are often drawn to string-like, shiny objects that seem tempting to chew on.
According to pet experts, swallowed tinsel can tangle up in your pet’s intestines, prompting the need for a surgical emergency. The better solution is to have a fence around the tree or skip the tinsel altogether.
Too Much Noise
During the holidays, parties can get really loud even for your furry friend. Before inviting people over, ensure your pet has a secluded area that they can retreat to when it gets loud or rowdy. This safe space should be quiet and preferably away from the party area.
The space should have food, water, and their favorite toys. Also, you should keep your pet away when guests start arriving. The endless doorbell ringing can overwhelm your dog.
Beware of Your Plants
Before bringing a plant to your house, it is important to know what plants can be dangerous to your pet. Although poinsettias have historically had quite negative reviews, they are just mildly toxic to your pet. Animals just get an occasional stomach upset.
On the other hand, holly can cause your furry friend to have diarrhea or vomit. Most holiday bouquets have lilies that can lead to kidney failure
in your feline friend if ingested. Mistletoe is arguably the most hazardous of them all. It can cause your pet to have gastrointestinal upsets, seizures, or other cardiovascular problems.
Christmas Tree Hazards
Your Christmas tree can present a few dangers to your pet during the holiday season. A poorly secured Christmas tree can tip over and hurt your pet. Ensure the tree is well secured and stable. Also, you should cover the tree water or make it inaccessible.
This is because the water may contain bacteria that cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, or nausea. Additionally, if you have some wrapped presents that are edible, keep them off the ground. Although you cannot see the contents, your furry friend can smell it just fine.
For more on the pet hazards to watch out for during the holidays, visit Madison Animal Care Hospital at our office in Madison, Alabama. You can call (256) 461-7575 today to schedule an appointment.
