The holidays are a busy time, but we want to be sure that nobody forgets about the safety and care of their furry friends. You may be surprised to learn that this is one of the busiest times for emergency very care simply because so much is going on, and people forget about the finer details of pet care. You certainly don’t your pet to get hurt or have your holiday plans altered due to an emergency visit to your veterinarian! Here are a few simple tips to keep your pet safe during this busy time of year.
Secure Your Christmas Tree
You’ve likely seen a lot of funny memes circulating the web, showing how some pets can’t resist batting and pawing at the Christmas tree. However, a tree falling over isn’t just an annoying mishap; it could lead to an injury to your pet. To avoid this, make sure that your tree is secure so that it is less likely to tip over.
Provide a Safe Space
The holidays mean that many people will be coming and going from your home. This can cause a great deal of excitement and even stress for your pet. To help your pet stay calm and avoid potential injuries, then provide them a safe space where they can have a moment alone. Some people may want to use a kennel or a crate while others may have an empty room that the pet can hide in when they need a little break from all of the chaos.
Keep Food Stored Away
There are many types of foods that aren’t safe for your pet to eat. Because there will likely be many types of new foods around, don’t be surprised that your pet may become very curious. Remind your guests not to feed your pet and make sure that all food is stored away properly.
Keep Holiday Plants Away from Pets
Many of the common holiday plants (such as mistletoe and holly) aren’t safe for your pets to eat. Make sure that all of your holiday plants are kept up out of their reach.
Remove Unnecessary items
It’s fun to decorate for the holidays, but don’t forget to keep your pet in mind as you do so. For instance, perhaps if you have a cat, then you should avoid putting tinsel on the tree or placing shiny objects near your pet’s line of vision.
Talk to Your Guests
Make sure that your pet safety is a group effort. Remind your guests (especially the younger ones) about the proper way to pet and play with an animal. You want to be sure that your pet is not being abused or stressed out simply because someone doesn’t know how to interact with it.
Supervise Your Pet
This time of year means that there are all sorts of new sights, sounds, and items around your house. Remember not to leave your pet alone with lit candles, holiday packages containing food, or potpourri. All of these things could pose a risk to your animal, and you want to avoid all accidents if possible.
Overview
At Madison Animal Care, we are always on the lookout for our patients and their owners. We want to make sure that you and your pets have a safe and happy holiday season. These reminders will go a long way in helping keep your beloved pet safe and help you avoid an unnecessary vet bill. Should you need our assistance, contact our office for more information!
