The holidays are a time for decorations, guests, and delicious food—but they also bring new risks for your pets. To ensure a smooth and safe celebration for everyone, here are some important precautions:
- Keep Food Out of Reach: Never leave dishes unattended. Cooked turkey bones, desserts, chocolate, and raw bread dough can all be dangerous to pets.
- Educate Your Guests: Remind family members and visitors not to feed your pets table scraps.
- Toxic Plants: Be cautious with holiday plants like poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry, and Christmas cactus—they’re toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach.
- Tree Safety: Watch for ornaments, tinsel, and breakable decorations on your tree. If you have a real tree, cover the base to prevent pets from drinking the water (it can be harmful). Also, keep in mind that tree needles are toxic to rabbits.
- Gift Safety: Place gifts in a safe area and quickly dispose of any ribbons or bows to prevent choking hazards.
- Manage Stress: The holiday hustle can stress out your pet. If they seem anxious, provide a quiet, comfortable space for them. Consider using Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) to help calm them.
- Prevent Escapes: When guests leave, be extra cautious to prevent your pet from darting out the door.
With these simple steps, you can ensure that your pets stay safe and happy throughout the holiday season!
