On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… The holidays are coming! We all know that means great food, great company and… danger? Pets can find themselves in quite a pickle during the holidays if we are not adequately informed on common hazards that the holidays present. So here is a list of some of those dangers in true holiday fashion!
12. Strange people
The holiday season means lots of visitors, some that your pets may not be familiar or comfortable with. If you throw a party, make a safe place for your pets and inform your guests.
11. Loud noises
Fireworks, popping champagne, etc. What may be fun and games to us, could be very loud and scary for your pets. Consider having these festivities away from your pet instead.
10. Chocolate Santa’s
Well, this one is a giveaway. Chocolate is just bad for your pets. Don’t feed it to them.
9. Freshly lit candles
Candles are fabulous, just don’t leave them unattended with your pets. They can be knocked over and set unfortunate fires. Blow them out before you leave the area.
8. New chew toys
Got wrapping paper? So does Fido! It’s not just wrapping paper though, make sure you buy appropriate toys for your pets. Size and material do matter. Your big lab shouldn’t be chewing on toys made for your friends’ little yorkie.
7. Pretty Plants
Decorating the house with the beautiful holiday plants? If you have pets maybe think about buying fake ones. Poinsettias, Holly, Mistletoe, Lilies and Christmas Cactus, can have serious side effects if ingested. If you think your pet may have ingested one of these plants, you should call your vet for advice right away.
6. Bundles of Lights
Powerful lights are a great way to brighten up anyone’s holiday spirit, but make sure to unplug them when no one is around. We want to ensure that Fluffy isn’t chewing on any live wires this holiday.
5. Shiney Things
Ornaments! Tinsel! Table toppers! Oh my! All the bright shiny decorations that we put up during the holidays are huge targets for our pets. They are curious as to what their humans are doing, and sometimes they investigate with their mouths.
4. Turkey Bones
With turkey/chicken bones being so small they can cause many problems. They can splinter and get stuck in the esophagus, stomach and intestines. Keep a careful eye on your animals and don’t offer them these at all.
3. Cups of Eggnog
And by eggnog, I mean of the alcoholic kind. Our furry friends shouldn’t be partaking in alcoholic beverages at all. So remember that in this case, caring is not sharing.
2. Pounds of fat
Holiday cooking equals lots of fat. Super tasty, but our pets may not be able to digest it as well as us. They can get too much fat and then they can get sick. And after eating a big holiday dinner, that’s something no one wants to clean up.
1. The great big Christmas pine tree!
Cats are climbing; dogs are pulling, it’s a holiday chaos! Make sure those trees are securely tied down, so they don’t get knocked over and hurt anyone in the line of fire!
Most of all, have a safe holiday and a Happy New Year from all the friendly staff here at Riverview Animal Hospital, here 24/7 for when you need us most.
Written by Emily Giesbrecht, RVT
