Celebrate the Holidays Safely with Your Pet this Year
The holidays this year may look different than previous years with smaller gatherings and less travel, however, it is still important to protect your pets from the unique hazards that can occur during this season. Below are some things to be aware of so that you and your pets can have a safe and happy Holiday season.
- Christmas Trees: though beautiful, pose several threats to your pets:
a. Decorations such as tinsel or angel hair can be very tempting, especially to cats. Ingestion of tinsel is a huge health risk as it causes intestinal blockages – this is
an emergency and can be fatal!
b. Christmas lights should be placed high enough on the tree that they are out of your pet’s reach, and cords should be neat and pour to the way as chewing on them can cause serious
electrical burns.
Ribbons, bows, and Wrapping Paper: Routinely inspect wrapped presents to ensure your pet has not swallowed and ribbons, bows, or wrapping paper as these items can also cause blockages. Also, be sure not to put boxes of chocolates or other food gifts under the tree.
- Be sure to keep countertops and coffee tables clear of hazardous items, especially if you have a cat in your home. Keep them free of open flames, candles, drinks, and food.
Poisonous Plants: Many plants popular this season such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be a huge irritant to pets. Contact with the sap of these plants can cause skin and eye irritation and rashes. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation. Keep these plants out of your pet’s reach and be sure to immediately remove any fallen leaves or berries.
- If you are having guests over to your house, be sure to ask them to avoid feeding your pets or have dog/cat treats available for those who cannot resist. Make sure purses and handbags are stored out of reach (common items such as chewing gum, hand sanitizer, and medications can be extremely harmful and even fatal to your pet if ingested).
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a. It may be a good idea to keep your pet in a separate room if they are showing signs of anxiety. Allowing them to have their own space away from the noise can be comforting.
b. This also takes away the worry about guests accidentally letting them out the front door.
- Dangerous Foods: As much as our pets enjoy human food, it is not a good idea to feed your pet table scraps. Avoid the following foods:
- Rich, fatty foods like turkey and ham
- Raw meat
- Bones of any type
- Raw Dough
- Moldy cheese/nuts
- Cherry/peach pits, avocados
- Chocolate
- Alcohol, coffee, tea
- Garlic, chives, and onions
- Raisins and grapes
We would like to take this time at Norsask Veterinary Group to wish you and yours a Very Happy Holiday Season and thank you for all of your support in 2020.
