Happy Holidays! This time of year is truly special. Taking the time to slow down and reconnect with our loved ones is so important. Our pets are part of that too! Fido and Fluffy truly add the perfect touch to those warm holiday moments. That said, it’s a good idea to take some precautions to ensure your furry friend stays safe. This article features a local Galloway, OH veterinarian sharing insights on keeping pets safe.
Holiday Pet Toxins
Regardless of the season, poison remains a significant danger to your beloved pet. There are certain things that can be a threat throughout the entire year, such as household items that can be toxic to our furry friends. That list would cover items such as household cleaners, automotive products, pesticides, lawn and garden products, and medicines.
Some issues also tend to arise mainly during specific seasons. Antifreeze is definitely a major concern, as it’s toxic for pets. Unfortunately, lots of animals enjoy the flavor. Choose a brand that’s friendly for pets. It’s also a good idea to play it safe and clean up any spills right away.
Foods That Are Safe and Unsafe for Pets
Food is another important thing to think about. Who doesn’t enjoy those delicious holiday meals? Fido and Fluffy have a knack for getting us to share little treats with them. While certain things are perfectly safe to share, others can pose serious health risks to your furry best friend, and some might even be fatal.
Let’s talk about some foods that can be quite dangerous:
Sweets
Generally speaking, anything that’s high in sugar isn’t going to be a good choice for your pet. That said, there are some things that pose a greater danger than others. Xylitol is definitely a major concern. Known as birch sugar, it can lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in pets. Keep an eye out for warning signs like weakness, lethargy, and vomiting. Some more serious signs to watch for are seizures and black or tarry stools. Sadly, consuming Xylitol can result in liver failure, coma, or even death.
Chocolate
Chocolate ranks high on the list of foods that are unsafe for dogs and cats, and there’s a solid reason for that. It has a compound known as theobromine, which pets are unable to metabolize. In small amounts, it could lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Higher amounts can result in seizures, heart issues, coma, or even death. What’s even more alarming is that the lethal dose can be as little as one ounce for every pound of a pet’s body weight.
Grapes, Currants, and Raisins
These small fruits are great for us humans, but they can be really harmful to our pets—especially our canine companions. Actually, dogs can experience organ failure after consuming just one. The problem is tartaric acid, which can lead to serious—and potentially life-threatening—harm to a dogs’ kidneys.
Meat on the Bone
Fido and Fluffy are sure to notice those tasty main courses. It’s perfectly fine to share a little bit of meat, fish, and poultry with your furry companion, but just make sure it’s cooked, unseasoned, and free from skin, bones, and fat. Cooked bones can be especially hazardous as they can become quite brittle and may break into sharp shards. This can pose significant choking hazards and can lead to serious internal injuries if swallowed.
Some other foods that can be harmful include garlic, onion, and chives; avocado; raw dough; caffeine; macadamia nuts; and anything high in salt, sugar, or fat. Make sure to check with your Galloway, OH vet about which foods are safe and which ones to avoid.
Exercise Caution Around Plants
Some popular holiday plants can be hazardous for curious pets. Here’s a quick rundown of a few that you should avoid:
To prevent all of this, choose plants that you’re sure are safe for your furry friends. If you decide to go for real plants, just be cautious and make sure to keep them out of reach of those adorable little paws! And remember, even plants that are usually safe can turn unsafe if they’re covered in glitter or adorned with tiny decorations.
Check in with your Galloway, OH veterinarian to get more details about which plants are safe and which ones to avoid.
Pets and Tree Safety
Festive trees really serve as stunning centerpieces for your holiday scene. To pets, especially cats, they’re really just oversized climbing towers adorned with shiny decorations that look fun to play with. While we can’t guarantee a surefire method to stop Fluffy from climbing the tree, we do have a few helpful tips to share.
Be Strategic about Decorations: When you’re decorating, it’s best to place only dull, unbreakable items on the lower branches. Place the more delicate ornaments, along with most of the lights and tinsel, on the upper sections. That way if your pet happens to knock something over, it’s less likely to break. Or better yet – just stick to all non-breakable decorations.
Select the Ideal Spot: Placing the tree right next to a handy kitty launchpad, such as a desk, chair, or sofa, essentially gives Fluffy the perfect opportunity to cause some mischief. If you can, try to position your tree in a corner, away from nearby furniture.
Cover the Water: If you decide to go with a real tree, just make sure to keep the water at the base safely covered. It could contain traces of pesticides, fire retardants, and other harmful substances.
Maintain a Tidy Space: Fallen needles, ornament hooks, and tinsel strands can pose a real danger to pets if they happen to ingest them.
Stay Alert with Gifts: Some pets might completely ignore gifts, while others will show a lot of curiosity about them. Bows, ribbons, and strings can be tempting but risky to your furry friend.
Exercise Extreme Caution When it Comes to Flames and Fire
While the sight of chestnuts roasting on an open fire is a timeless one, it’s important to ensure that any flames are kept safely contained. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, consider placing a grate in front of it. It’s also a good idea to keep candles in high places, where they cannot be reached by your pets. If you have climbers or jumpers, stick with flameless candles. Last, but not least, be careful with potpourri burners.
Be Aware of Stress Holiday
Stress can affect everyone, including our four-legged family members. Most pets are creatures of habit. Schedule changes, visitors, travel, and even subtle changes in their home environment can really throw off your furry friend.
Try to stick to your pet’s regular routine whenever you can, and be sure to give a little extra love to Fluffy and Fido! When you have guests over, provide your pets with a calm and quiet spot where they can unwind, away from all the hustle and bustle.
If your pet is especially anxious, consider talking to your Galloway, OH vet about calming products for pets. There are a variety of options out there, including treats, sprays, and collars. Make sure to adhere to the package directions exactly as they are written.
Some pets might feel scared of decorations. If your furry friend tends to feel uneasy about stuff like this, you may want to reconsider setting up that huge inflatable reindeer or the singing snowman.
Reach out to your vet in Galloway, OH for additional information.
Wishing you a fantastic holiday season filled with joy! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any of your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your trusted Galloway, OH vet, we’re here for you!