Deck the Paws With Caution: Keep Your Pets Safe Through the Holidays

Every year, the holidays bring joy, laughter, and furry chaos. From glittering decorations to tempting treats, this magical time presents a minefield of hidden dangers. Don’t let holiday cheer turn into a trip to the vet! This guide will help you navigate the season with confidence, so your pets stay happy and healthy amidst the festive chaos.

Holiday Grub for Humans, Not Furballs

Wine is not for pets!

For our furry companions, the season’s culinary bounty can be a minefield. While sharing a bite or two might seem harmless, many holiday favorites can be dangerous for pets. Prevention is key, so keep these festive food foes out of reach and practice safe food storage and disposal.

No Nibbles or Tipples from the Naughty List

• Alcohol: Even a little eggnog or lapped up spilled beer can be dangerous for pets. Alcohol can lead to coma, respiratory failure, and even death. According to MedVet.com, as little as one ounce of alcohol can kill a small cat or dog. Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach and remind guests to be mindful of spills.

• Chocolate: This sweet treat is a holiday staple, but it’s a big no-no for dogs and cats. The culprit is theobromine, a compound that can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to heart problems and seizures. Even small amounts can be harmful, so keep those chocolate truffles far out of reach.

• Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeinated items: While your morning cup of joe might be the perfect pick-me-up, caffeine is toxic to pets. It can lead to hyperactivity, tremors, and even death.

• Cooked Poultry Bones: Gnawing on a bone might seem like a natural canine instinct, but cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries. Opt for safe chew toys instead.

• Garlic, Onions, and Chives: These aromatic ingredients add flavor to our meals, but for pets, they can be a recipe for disaster. Ingesting these can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia and possibly death.

• Grapes and Raisins: These sweet treats can cause kidney failure, even when ingested in small amounts.

• Macadamia Nuts: These seemingly harmless nuts can cause neurological problems in dogs, including tremors and weakness. While one or two nuts might not be a major issue, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep macadamia-filled treats out of reach.

• Marijuana & Edibles: These are absolute no-gos for pets. The THC in marijuana can cause seizures, coma, organ failure, and even death. Be extra vigilant if you live in a place where recreational marijuana is legal, and keep all related products securely stored.

• Table Scraps: While it might be tempting to toss your pet a morsel from your plate, resist the urge. Rich human food can be difficult for their digestive systems to handle, and can lead to pancreatitis.

• Unbaked Bread Dough: This rising dough can cause serious internal issues if ingested, possibly rupturing organs.

• Xylitol: This sugar substitute is a common ingredient in baked goods and sugar-free foods. But for dogs, even a tiny amount can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar, leading to liver damage or even death.

After meals, promptly store leftovers and dispose of garbage securely. Curious noses and determined paws can easily access tempting treats when you’re not looking.

Hidden Hazards of Holiday Plants

Poinsettias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

From the majestic evergreen to the vibrant poinsettia, festive plants add a touch of magic to the holiday season. But for our furry companions, these beautiful blooms can harbor hidden dangers. While not all holiday plants are toxic, even seemingly harmless greenery can cause unexpected problems if ingested. Don’t let holiday spirit turn into a trip to the vet – keep your pet safe from these beautiful but potentially dangerous plants.

Holiday Plant Peril

• Amaryllis: This elegant bulb plant is toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and tremors.

• Holly: While holly is often associated with holiday festivities, it is toxic to both dogs and cats. Symptoms of holly poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression, though the leaves and berries are generally considered low in toxicity.

• Lilies: These graceful blooms are a beautiful holiday staple, but they’re incredibly toxic to cats. Even small amounts of any part of the lily plant, including the pollen, leaves, and flowers, can cause kidney failure. If you have cats, lilies are best avoided altogether.

• Mistletoe: Often hung for festive cheer, mistletoe is another plant to keep out of reach of pets. It’s toxic to both dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (in rare cases), difficulty breathing, and a low heart rate.

• Pine: While not inherently toxic to dogs and cats, pine needles can be problematic if ingested. Sharp needles can lodge in the intestines, puncture the lining, and cause an obstruction. Additionally, the oil on pine needles can irritate your pet’s skin. To avoid these issues, sweep up fallen needles regularly or opt for an artificial tree.

• Poinsettias: These vibrant red and green plants are a Christmas classic, but they’re mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingesting them can irritate the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting.

Prevention is key. The safest approach is to avoid bringing potentially toxic plants into your home if you have pets. Opt for safer alternatives like artificial plants or pet-friendly holiday decorations.

Knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with a comprehensive list of plants toxic to pets. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center provides a valuable resource: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Act quickly. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately: (888) 426-4435.

Pet-Proofing Holiday Decorations

Tinsel can be dangerous for cats and dogs!

Twinkling lights and festive decorations can make for dazzling displays. Unfortunately, they simultaneously harbor hidden dangers. From tempting tinsel to toxic tree water, many traditional holiday decorations pose surprising threats to our four-legged friends. Don’t let the season’s cheer turn into a trip to the vet. Pet-proof your holiday décor and keep your furry friends safe and sound.

Beware the Baubles

Tinsel and Ribbons: These sparkly strands are irresistible to many cats, but ingesting them can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, and surgery.

Glass ornaments: Glass ornaments can shatter, causing cuts and internal injuries if ingested. Opt for unbreakable decorations, like plastic or wood, and hang them out of paw’s reach.

Salt Dough Ornaments: While these homemade decorations may seem harmless, they can lead to dangerous salt poisoning if ingested. Keep them safely out of reach.

Candles and Potpourri: Candles pose a fire or burn hazard, and can cause respiratory distress in asthmatic animals. Opt for battery-operated flameless candles instead. Scented potpourri, whether liquid or dry, can be harmful if ingested. Keep these items out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives.

Battery-Operated Treasures: The zinc in batteries can cause pancreatitis and renal damage. Securely store battery-operated items and supervise pets closely around them.

Tree Troubles

Espresso under the Christmas tree after inspecting the stand and lower branches

Climbing Craze: Christmas trees are irresistible scratching posts and climbing gyms for cats. Secure your tree to the wall or the door frame with fishing wire to prevent it from toppling over.

Toxic Tipple: Tree water can harbor harmful bacteria and additives that are toxic to pets. Block access with a wire mesh covering or switch to an artificial tree.

Festive Feasting

Food Gifts: Chocolate, candies, and other food-related presents should be stashed away safely. Many common holiday treats contain ingredients that can be harmful to pets (see the “Holiday Grub for Humans, Not Furry Friends” section for details).

Wrapping Paper Woes: Ingesting wrapping paper and ribbons can lead to intestinal blockages. Choose pet-friendly wrapping materials and supervise pets around the presents.

Sparkling Safety

Twinkling Twinkles: Exposed electrical cords pose a shock or burn hazard for curious or chewing pets. Use cord organizers, tape, and covers to secure them, and unplug lights when not in use.

Fake Snow Fizzle: Artificial snow often contains alcohol or antifreeze, which are highly toxic if ingested. Opt for pet-safe alternatives or keep fake snow out of reach.

Snow Globes: Some contain ethylene glycol, which smells sweet and tempting and can be fatal if your pet licks it up.

Bonus Safety Tip

Fire Starter Logs: Typically made of sawdust and paraffin, these logs can irritate your pet’s stomach or cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Keep them out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives.

Calm Retreat from Holiday Hubbub

Sometimes the season’s excitement can overwhelm our animal companions. Carve out a quiet space where your pet can retreat and recharge. Allow your pet to come and go freely because this haven should be a haven, not confinement.

Building Your Pet’s Sanctuary

Location, Location, Location: Opt for a familiar, low-traffic room away from the main activity areas.

Creature Comforts: Stock it with their favorite things, including a comfy bed, familiar toys, fresh water and food, and a chew toy (for dogs) or a scratching post (for cats).

Soothing Sensations: Consider spritzing with pheromone products like Adaptil or Feliway to promote relaxation.

Sensory Shields: Block out noise with a white noise machine, thick curtains, or soundproof blankets.

Entertainment Options: Offer soothing music, pet-specific TV channels, or interactive toys to keep them occupied.

Litter Box Heaven: Ensure cats have easy access to a clean and private litter box within their haven.

Respect the Retreat: Respect your pet’s boundaries. Avoid entering the haven unless absolutely necessary.

Bonus Tips

Maintain Routine: As much as possible, try to keep your pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule consistent. Disruptions to routine can contribute to stress.

Anxiety? If your pet struggles with anxiety, consider practicing relaxation exercises with them in their haven before the holidays begin. This can help them feel more prepared and comfortable during the busy season. You can also consult your veterinarian for advice on managing your pet’s anxiety during the holidays. They may recommend calming aids or medication to help your furry friend cope with the stress.

Conclusion

With a little planning and these pawsome tips, you can deck the halls with cheer and keep your furry friends safe this holiday season! Remember, prevention is key: keep tempting treats out of reach, swap toxic plants for pet-friendly foliage, and create a cozy haven for your pet to escape the holiday hubbub. By putting their safety first, you ensure they can join in the festive fun without a trip to the vet.

Happy holidays, and stay pawsome!