With the return of the cold weather and the holidays right around the corner there are many things to consider in order for you and your pet to enjoy a happy, healthy and safe season. Please click here for more information about holiday hazards.
Decorations look great and spruce up the home making it festive and fun, however some decorations that look great in the home can be enticing toys for your pet, which could be hazardous to our furry friends. Let’s review some of these potential risks that may be lurking in our home.
Christmas Lights/cords and bubble lights– While they look beautiful and light up or homes, whether on trees or mantles, these bright lights can cause electrical shock to our furry ones who like to chew on unsecured cords. Please ensure all loose cords are secured and out of reach so we can all enjoy them safely.
All that Sparkles – Tinsel, ribbons, spray-on snow, tape, price tags, gift wrap and ornament hooks can be dangerous to pets. Tinsel and Styrofoam can cause internal blockages that can be life-threatening. Please make sure they are all safely out of reach.
Ornaments – Shiny, dangling objects can be exciting play objects to pets. Please make sure they are secure and out of reach. Be sure to properly dispose of any broken glass or ornaments as soon as possible so that fluffy, fido and human alike don’t injure themselves on shards of glass.
Candles – Who doesn’t enjoy the scent of apple cinnamon throughout the home? Candles are a beautiful addition to our homes, when selecting your placement please consider your pets. Candles on tables and mantles that can be reached by our furry ones can be a major safety concern as even tips of their tails when walking by can catch fire. Please do not leave candles unattended.
Batteries – Many of our gadgets today require batteries, Some pets tend to chew on them if left unattended. Chewing on batteries can result in our pets burning their mouths and throats from the acidity, as well as the possibility of them swallowing them and getting lodged. Please keep batteries and packaging off floors just to be sure!
Christmas tree – if you have one please secure it! Tree climbing comes natural to cats, and they enjoy perching from branches if able to do so. Too keep them safe whether a real or fake tree keep them secured so if fluffy does attempt to climb the tree and fluffy doesn’t come toppling over.
Plants – plants add holiday beauty to our homes, some plants are hazardous or even deadly to pets. Please keep the following plants out of reach:
Amaryllis
Autumn Crocus
Balsam and pine can cause irritation
Daffodil (Paper whites) can be hazardous to animals.
Holly – Just a few holly berries can be toxic.
Mistletoe and berries can cause digestive upset, irregular heartbeats and cardiac shock.
Poinsettia
For more information about hazardous plants, please check the ASPCA website here.
Foods – according to the ASPCA , there are a number of foods that are a no-no for not only the holiday season but year round and can cause some serious problems. Some of these foods are :
Alcoholic Beverages – Beware of your four-legged friends trying to take a sip out of that holiday punch!
Avocado
Batter/Dough with raw eggs – like cake batter.
Chives
Chocolate
Coffee
Garlic
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure.
Nuts – Certain nuts can cause serious upset tummy’s in pets. Macadamia nuts, moldy pecans and walnuts can cause seizures, vomiting and neurological issues.
Onions
Sage, a seasoning used in stuffing, can cause tummy upset and central nervous system depression.
Scallions
Spicy Foods
Xylitol, a sweetener – is often used in candy. It can lead to liver failure in pets.
Please do not feed your pets undercooked turkey and/or bones as they can lodge in, cause blockages and even puncture the intestines. We know that our pets deserve a treat every once in awhile, however everything in moderation! Too much of anything can cause gastrointestinal upset!
Garbage – unattended garbage can be a health risk to our pets as they tend to enjoy going through them and picking out the lovely left overs that they think are a treat! Please keep garbage tied tightly and put it away immediately to make sure your pet isn’t rummaging through it while you are busy else where.
Let’s not forget about antifreeze – pets are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, however it is extremely toxic, please make sure that your car is not leaking antifreeze and if you believe your pet has ingested some please seek medical treatment immediately as time is of the essence!
Remember the holidays can be an exciting time for you and your pets alike. Along with the excitement come new smells, sounds and sights. Try sticking to a regular routine and diet to aid in keeping our furry ones less stressed throughout this season.
