Holiday Safety for Pets

The holiday season is in full swing! Your pet will no doubt be paying close attention as you decorate, cook, and wrap presents. All of those seasonal trappings and festivities do pose some dangers for our furry friends, so you’ll want to take a few precautions to keep your furry pal safe and healthy throughout the holiday season. In this article, a local Castle Hills, TX vet offers some sound advice on keeping your pet safe during this special time of year.

Food

Many of us are looking forward to those delicious holiday meals! It’s fine to indulge your furry buddy with a special treats, but be very careful with what you feed your pet. While each type of animal has specific nutritional needs, and different lists of safe and unsafe foods, some popular people foods are bad for many of our animal friends. Chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; garlic, onion, and scallions; raw dough; bones; and products that contain xylitol are dangerous for most pets. Macadamia nuts; avocados; pitted fruits; and grapes, currants and raisins are also on the no-no list for many furballs. Ask your vet for specific information.

Decorations

Did you know that many of those beautiful holiday plants are poisonous to our furry friends? Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all toxic to pets. Christmas trees also pose some specific threats to our four-legged pals. Tinsel, lights, ribbons, and even pine needles can all choke or entangle your furbaby, while fragile ornaments and hooks can cut pets. If you have a real tree, keep the water bowl covered so your pet can’t drink from it, as the water could contain toxic residue.

Commotion

If you’re planning to host a celebration this year, take a few precautions to keep your furry pal safe and comfy during the festivities. Dogs and cats that are easily frightened or agitated, and pocket pets with moveable habitats, will be better off in a quiet back room with food, toys, bedding, and, in Fluffy’s case, a litterbox. We also recommend playing with your furball before guests arrive, so your pet will be a bit tired out and sleepy. Also, ask your guests not to feed your pet without your approval.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at your Castle Hills, TX animal hospital. Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are always here to help!