Deck the Halls, Not the Paws: Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

The holiday season has arrived, and our pets are right there with us, joining in the fun, the food, and the festivities. As you decorate, celebrate, and enjoy time with loved ones, it’s important to keep your furry family members safe and healthy all season long.

Here are some simple ways to make the holidays merry and pet-safe:

• Delicious Dangers: Holiday meals bring delicious smells, but not everything on the table is safe for pets. Many festive foods can cause stomach issues, toxicity, or choking.
  
  Keep pets away from: 

• Chocolate: toxic to dogs and cats.

• Baked goods with xylitol: can cause liver failure in dogs.

• Unbaked yeast dough: can lead to gas, bloating, or digestive distress.

• Fatty, spicy, and sugary foods, along with turkey or chicken bones, can also lead to serious issues. A tiny bit of plain, boneless turkey is okay as a treat, but it’s best to stick to your pet’s regular diet.

• Watch Out for Wires:  Holiday lights look magical, but chewers and curious explorers can easily turn decor into danger. Keep wires, batteries, and fragile ornaments out of reach. Chewing on cords can lead to electric shock, and broken ornaments or damaged batteries can cause burns or internal injuries. Always unplug decorations when you’re not home.
  

• Holiday Plants: Flowers and festive plants make the home feel cozy during the holidays, but may are toxic to pets. Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly can cause anything from stomach upset to life-threatening illness if eaten. Click here to read our blog about plant pet safety for more tips. 

• Christmas Tree Caution: Christmas trees are beautiful, but they come with hidden hazards. Here are a few tips to keep your tree and pets safe: 

• Secure your tree to prevent tipping.

• Keep tree water covered or inaccessible, stagnant water can cause nausea or diarrhea, and additives can be toxic.

• Avoid placing food-filled gifts under the tree. Pets can sniff out anything delicious!

• Skip the tinsel. Cats love it, but ingestion can cause dangerous intestinal blockages requiring surgery.
  

• Candle Safety: Never leave candles unattended. Curious paws or happy wagging tails can knock them over, creating a fire risk or causing burns.
  

• Ornament Safety: Ornaments, especially fragile or food-based ones, can be irresistible to pets. Broken glass can injure paws, and swallowed pieces or salt-dough ornaments can cause blockages or toxicity. Keep all ornaments securely placed and out of reach.
  

• Loud Noises: Fireworks, music, and party poppers can be overwhelming. Give your pets a quiet room or cozy crate to retreat to when things get too loud.
  

• Trash Talk: Holiday trash often contains tempting but dangerous items: bones, strings, foil, chocolate wrappers, and broken décor. Use secure, lidded trash bins and take garbage out frequently.
  

• Salty Hazards: When icy weather hits, choose pet-safe ice melt. Many traditional salts and even salt-dough ornaments can cause severe health issues if licked or ingested.
  

• Snow Globes: Snow globes may contain ethylene glycol, the same toxic chemical found in antifreeze. If one breaks, keep pets away and clean the area thoroughly.
  

• Travel Safely: Bringing your pets along, or planning to board them, means a little extra preparation:

• Always secure pets in vehicles using a proper harness or carrier. Never leave them unattended in a car. 

• Pack their essentials: food, medications, medical records, ID info, first-aid supplies, and comfort items. 

• Boarding your dog? Make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Need a safe, cozy place for your pet to stay? Our Bed ‘n Bark Inn pet hotel is here for you! Call 301.387.7729 to book overnight stays, or fun staycation “vacation” days.
  

• Watch the Exits: Holiday gatherings mean lots of comings and goings. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. Keep doors and gates secure to prevent pets from bolting and getting lost.
  

• Make Sure Your Pet is Protected - Up-to-date ID tags and a registered microchip are lifesavers. If your pet does get out, proper identification greatly increases their chances of coming home. Need a microchip? Our Bredel Clinic can help! Call 301.387.7729 to schedule an appointment.

We hope you and your pets enjoy a warm, joyful, and safe holiday season! 

To learn more about HART for Animals, explore our programs, or to make a donation, visit www.hartforanimals.org or connect with us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/HARTforAnimals