Safety Tips for Pets During the Holidays

The holidays can be a very exciting time for families, filled with fun decorations and delicious food. Your pet will love all the smells wafting from the kitchen, as well, but it’s important to remember that much of what is served during the holidays can be harmful to our pets.

Most people know about the dangers of their leftover Halloween candy, but did you know that onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs and cats? Another danger found in your kitchen would be turkey bones which dogs are inclined to chew on, but don’t know not to swallow them!

Aside from the food being served, there are some other things you should look out for around the holidays. Most people love to hang up decorations, such as Christmas trees, tinsel, poinsettias, etc. Poinsettias are actually poisonous to animals, and cats are seen every year at primary vets to remove tinsel from their digestive tracts! It’s something so simple, most people don’t think about it, but it’s important to remember that your pets should be monitored around any new additions to the house.

One last note to remember during the holidays, is no matter how excited you are to host your holiday party, or have your in-laws in town for several days, your house is ultimately your pet’s home as well. They may not be comfortable with the guests you have over, so it’s important to give your pet access to a quiet, calm space to get away from the crowd.

Make sure your pet feels safe and calm in your home. Their favorite toys can help them feel more at ease with lots of people over.

We hope everyone enjoys their holidays, and keeps their beloved pets in mind, as well!