Paws & Claus: How to Keep your Pets Happy & Safe During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is officially upon us, and with it comes the joy of festive decorations, delicious foods, and spending time with loved ones. For many of us, our fur babies are an integral part of the festivities, so it is important to make sure that they are safe and comfortable during all the holiday hustle and bustle. It is important to keep in mind the holiday hazards that could be harmful to your pets to ensure your fur babies enjoy a paws-itively wonderful Christmas season.

HOLIDAY FOOD

Holiday feasts are undeniably one of the best parts of the holiday season, but many of the traditional holiday foods are harmful to pets. Common holiday food items such as chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, and alcohol are toxic to animals. As tempting as it may be to share a bit of your Christmas dinner with your furry best friend, it is best to resist. If you are dying to let your pet partake in some fun holiday munchies, remember that many pet stores offer a bounty of holiday-themed treats that are designed specifically for pets. To avoid guests succumbing to your fur baby’s “hungry” pleas and puppy dog eyes, make sure your pet has a designated, safe space to hang out during the meal that is away from the table.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Christmas trees, tinsel, ornaments, and Christmas lights are all an integral part of what makes the holidays so magical, but they can be a serious danger to curious pets. They may try to play with the shiny, fragile ornaments, or even try to chew on Christmas tree branches or string lights. Tinsel and ribbon are particularly dangerous as they can be easily digested and can cause choking or serious digestive blockages that could require an invasive, expensive surgery. Consider placing fragile ornaments higher up on the tree, away from curious paws and noses. For the more curious pets, you might want to consider putting a small gate or playpen around the tree to restrict them from accessing it.

HOLIDAY PLANTS

Though beautiful, many holiday plants are extremely toxic to pets. Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can all cause anything from gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea) to more severe reactions such as organ failure if ingested. Consider using artificial plants if you have a pet who likes to nibble. If you prefer live plants, make sure they are placed out of your pet’s reach. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately or contact ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control hotline (1-888-426-4435)

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

If you are traveling with your furry friend this holiday season, it is important to plan ahead for your pet’s comfort and safety. Whether you are flying or driving, make sure your pet is comfortable, hydrated, and has access to food. For long road trips, give them frequent potty breaks and give them ample time to stretch their legs. If you are flying, it is important to make sure your pet’s carrier is airline-approved and that your pet is used to being in that carrier before the trip. It is also recommended to check with the airline for any pet travel rules and regulations. Depending on your destination, a health certificate may be required for your pet, these can be obtained from an accredited veterinarian – it is recommended to start this process sooner rather than later to ensure you have enough time to get your pet scheduled for a health certificate exam. There are many different requirements depending on your destination, you can visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel to find out your destination’s requirements.

The holidays are a time for celebrating, and with a little extra care, you can make sure your pets are able to be included in the fun while staying safe and healthy. Keep hazards in mind, make sure your pet has their own little spot to relax when things get hectic, and don’t forget to spoil them with a special treat or toy. Happy howl-idays to you and your fur babies – may your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and lots of wagging tails!