Pet Safety Tips for Christmas and New Year
Keep Holiday Foods Away from Pets
Toxic Foods
Common holiday foods like chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol, and certain nuts (especially macadamia nuts) are toxic to pets. Always keep food out of their reach and remind guests not to share holiday treats.
Don’t Feed Table Scraps
Even if you’re tempted to share a bite with your pet, resist! Many human foods can cause digestive distress or worse. Stick to pet-safe treats designed for their dietary needs.
Dangerous Leftovers
After a holiday meal, clean up immediately. Bones, ham fat, and poultry skin can be harmful if ingested, and gravy or sauces containing onions and garlic can cause poisoning.
Decorate Safely
Pet-Safe Christmas Trees
Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, make sure it’s secured and stable. Pets, especially curious kittens or playful puppies, may knock over the tree or chew on wires. Consider using a sturdy base or anchoring the tree to the wall.
Toxic Plants
Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and lilies are toxic to pets. Opt for non-toxic alternatives or artificial plants, and keep any real plants well out of your pet’s reach.
Shatterproof Ornaments
Swap glass ornaments for unbreakable ones to avoid sharp shards if they get knocked off the tree. Avoid small parts, ribbons, or tinsel that could be ingested, causing choking or digestive blockages.
Mind the Lights and Electrical Cords
Keep Cords Out of Reach
Pets, particularly kittens and puppies, may chew on electrical cords or get tangled in lights. Protect cords by using cord covers, or place decorations where pets can't easily reach.
Flameless Candles
While traditional candles can be beautiful, they pose a fire hazard, especially with pets who may knock them over. Flameless LED candles offer a safe alternative.
Lights on Low Shelves
If you decorate with lights, keep them up high where pets can’t chew on them. If your pet is a chewer, you may want to skip decorating low branches altogether.
Create a Pet-Friendly Space
Safe Retreat for Pets
Holiday gatherings can be noisy and overwhelming for pets. Set up a quiet area where your pet can retreat if the festivities get too much. Make sure they have their favorite bed, toys, water, and some peace and quiet.
Supervise Interactions
If you're hosting guests, ensure pets are comfortable and that children and unfamiliar visitors know how to interact gently with animals. Remind everyone not to feed pets human food and to respect their personal space.
Be Careful with Wrapping Paper and Decorations
Avoid Ribbons and Tinsel
Pets, especially cats, are attracted to shiny objects like tinsel, ribbons, and string. If ingested, these items can cause blockages in the digestive tract or even choking.
Wrapping Paper Hazard
Keep wrapping paper and bows out of your pet’s reach. While not necessarily toxic, these items can be a choking hazard or cause stomach issues if swallowed.
Be Mindful of New Year's Celebrations
Fireworks Stress
The loud noises from fireworks can be frightening for pets. Create a safe, quiet environment for your pet during New Year’s celebrations. Close windows, draw curtains, and consider playing calming music or using pheromone diffusers to soothe your pet.
You may also book a Virtual Vet Visit and consult with our vet about The Chill Protocol.
Party Hazards
New Year’s parties often involve decorations, confetti, and streamers. Ensure that party supplies don’t end up in your pet’s reach, as they may try to eat them. Small party hats, noise makers, or balloons can be choking hazards.
Stay Calm and Stick to Routine
Maintain Daily Routines
Pets thrive on consistency, so try to keep their feeding, exercise, and sleep schedules as regular as possible during the holiday season. This will help minimize stress.
Monitor Behavior
If your pet seems overly stressed or anxious, consider using calming products like pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, or talking to your vet about other options like natural supplements or medications.
Travel with Care
Holiday Travel
If you’re traveling with your pet, ensure their safety in the car. Use a crate, pet seatbelt, or harness to keep them secure. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, as the temperature can quickly become dangerous, even on cool days.
Boarding or Pet Sitters
If you’re not traveling with your pet, make arrangements for them well in advance. Whether you choose a pet sitter or boarding facility, ensure they’re familiar with your pet’s routine and preferences.
Prepare for Emergencies
Know Emergency Contacts
Have your vet’s contact info on hand, along with the number of an emergency animal clinic, in case anything goes wrong. Accidents can happen, and being prepared can make all the difference.
Be Ready for Poisoning
Keep a list of common holiday hazards. Take a class about how to perform Pet First Aid.
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By following these simple pet safety tips, you can ensure that your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are joyful and worry-free for both you and your furry (or feathered, or scaly) companions.