Holiday Tips to keeping your Pets Safe

/ Beth Photography/

The Holiday season is here, so let’s celebrate. However, be aware that the same things that make the holidays special for people can cause many hazards for our pets. 🎄🐾🎁

I hope you find this list helpful, wishing you and your Pet Family a Safe and Happy Holiday!

  • Oh, Christmas Tree: If possible, place your Christmas tree in a corner where it can be anchored onto a stationary object such as a stair railing. You can also place aluminum foil around the tree base to warn you of an impending tree disaster from your pet cat.

  • Shiny Objects: Tinsel and Ornaments need to be hung high. Although tinsel is extremely pretty on the tree, it can cause lacerations to your pet’s mouth, throat and intestines if they ingest it. Hang your tinsel out of your pet’s reach or omit it altogether. The shiny balls are enticing to cats but can be deadly if broken and ingested. The broken shards may injure paws, mouth or other parts of your pet’s body.

  • Lights & Wires: Lights should also be hung high on your tree. Not only can your dog or cat get tangled in the cord, they can get burnt from the hot bulbs. Your dog or cat may also inadvertently get shocked while biting through the cord. Exposed indoor or outdoor wires should be taped to the wall to make them less interesting to your pet. Look into purchasing circuit breakers or specially designed cable protectors to help prevent an accident.

  • Edible tree decorations: Popcorn strings or decorative doggy biscuits should be avoided as these will surely entice your pets to tug at them and pull down your tree. Not to mention that these could be a choking hazard for your pet.

  • Needles and Tree Water: Keep the area around your live Christmas tree free of pine needles. Needles can cause stomach upset and can irritate or puncture your pet’s intestines if ingested. Ensure your pet is not drinking the tree water as it is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea.

  • House Plants: Were you aware that poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and amaryllis can be poisonous to your pets? If you are using these plants to decorate your home, make sure they are kept in an area off limits to your pets.

  • That Holiday Glow: Burning candles are always a major fire hazard in any home. You never know when a wagging tail or a human guest will accidentally bump your candle causing a major fire and most certainly severe burns to your pet. Never leave a burning candle unattended or better yet, use battery operated candles which have the look of a real candle but are much safer.

  • Wrapping Supplies & Batteries: When gift wrapping, be sure to keep your pet away. Scissors, string, ribbon and wrapping paper are all attractive toys and potential choking hazards to your pets. A punctured battery can cause burns to your pet’s mouth and esophagus.

  • Sweet Treats: We all love sweet treats at Christmas, but remember chocolate is toxic and anything sweetened with Xylitol can be fatal to your pets. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, changes to heart rate, seizures and even death. If you are considering a peanut kong as a doggy treat on Christmas Day, please check the label of your Peanut Butter spread. Some peanut butters contain Xylitol which is never safe for pets. Many sugar-free items also contain Xylitol which is highly toxic to your pet in the smallest of doses. Just 3 pieces of sugar free gum would be enough to kill a 5 kg dog.

  • Leave the Leftovers: Cooked bones cause many problems from teeth fractures to obstructing your pet’s airway. Fatty, spicy human foods should also not be fed to your pet as this can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

  • A Room of their Own: During busy Holiday festivities, ensure your pet has a quiet space to retreat to, complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle.

  • New Year’s Noise: While you are counting down to the New Year, keep in mind that noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause damage to sensitive ears. Many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure your pet in a safe, escape-proof quiet room as midnight approaches.

For a list of top Local/Canadian made Pet Friendly Gifts for your Pet or Pet Lover, click here.