2020’s holiday season may look a little different this year, but it is still important that you take the time to ensure that your pets are safe throughout the celebrations. Here are some tips for prepping your pet and home:
Stabilize your Christmas tree to decrease the possibility of it falling on your pet, causing serious injury or death.
Christmas tree water, poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic, and may cause nausea, diarrhea or possible death if ingested.
Cats enjoy playing with tinsel, ribbon, and confetti strings. But if ingested, it can result in vomiting, diarrhea or surgery to remove the material.
In order to avoid any accident involving your pet or your belongings, never leave your pet alone with a lit candle.
Keep fragile glass or plastic decorations (such as ornaments) out of reach of your furry friends. Pets can eat sharp pieces that may have shattered, causing serious internal injury.
Keep dinner plates cleared from tables and trash cans secured to reduce the likelihood of you pet eating something that may cause an illness. Some popular holiday foods that are poisonous to your pet are: macadamia nuts, raisins, grapes, avocados, onions, chocolate, Xylitol (found in candy, gum, baked goods), alcohol, garlic, peaches, and plums.
Never give your pet cooked bones. Bones can splinter into shards that injure your pet's mouth and digestive tract. They can also harden in their intestines, causing a blockage.
Remind overnight guests to keep their medications and toiletries packed away so pets cannot get to them.
Create a "safe space" where your pet can retreat if they are feeling overwhelmed by guests. This safe space should be quiet, have fresh water, toys, and other items your pet may find comforting.
Remind guests, especially children, how to properly interact with your pet to avoid potential anxiety in your pet that may result in a reactive bite or scratch. If your pet isn't fond of company, escort them to their safe space and check on them during the event.
Exposure to loud fireworks, noisy poppers, and screeching rambunctious children, can frighten your pet. Keep noise to a minimum if your pet is sensitive to loud noises.
Pets, especially cats, tend to sneak out of open doors when visitors are entering and exiting your home. Pay close attention to your pet's whereabouts when your doors are open and remind visitors to be cautious.
If the holiday takes you on a road trip, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification, a harness that is secured to a tether or doggy seat belt (do not attach any type of restraint directly to their collar), or place them in their crate (secured to the vehicle in the event of an accident). Bring food/treats, bowls, water, leash, potty supplies, blanket, medication, first-aid kid, toys and vet documents with you. In case of emergency or illness, create a list of emergency vets that are along your route.
Be mindful of your pet's need for proper exercise during the busy season. Create a schedule that allows time to care for your pet or call your local pet sitting company for assistance!