Holidays are fun, no doubt. However, a lot of the activities we participate in during the holiday season put our precious pets at risk. Don’t worry, there are several safety tips you can follow in order to keep your furry friend safe during the holidays. At Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach, CA, your pet’s safety and health are our priorities.
How to Protect Your Pet
It may not seem like the holidays could be dangerous for your pets. However, there are many risks you could be exposing your pet to without even thinking about them.
Food Safety
Holidays are well-known for a wide range of sweet and savory foods. While you may be tempted to let your pet join the celebration by sharing your food, our veterinarians do not recommend this. Sweets like chocolate can contain Xylitol, which is a toxic substance for pets. Fatty foods and others things like bones, yogurt, and cake should also be avoided. If the celebrations involve alcohol, ensure that any alcoholic substances are not within reach of your cat or dog.
Avoid Certain Plants
Some plants are toxic to animals when ingested. For instance, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal issues, which can be deadly for your animal. Holly, on the other hand, can make your animal vomit and have diarrhea. Poinsettia plants can also be mildly toxic to your pets. If you want to add a plant to your house for decorative purposes, research it to make sure it isn’t toxic to cats or dogs.
Don’t Leave Candles Unattended
Pets are curious. They may want to touch or lick a candle’s flame, and end up burning themselves. As your pets play around, they may also knock down candles and cause a house fire. To avoid all this, don’t leave any burning candles unattended, especially when leaving the house.
Christmas Trees and Lights
If you enjoy putting up a Christmas tree during the holiday season, make sure it is well-secured. Your cat may try to climb it and could fall and get injured. Be careful about evergreen needles and Christmas tree water, because they can be harmful to your pets when ingested. If you have electrical wires for your lights or decorations, cover them or organize them appropriately to make sure they are out of your pet’s sight. That way, your pet won’t chew on them and risk getting electrocuted.
Visit Us for Pet Care
Our furry friends don’t always know what’s good for them and what’s not. It’s our responsibility as pet owners to ensure that they stay out of harm’s way. Start by following these tips when the holiday season rolls around. If you have further questions about pet safety, our team can help. At Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach, CA, we can answer all your questions and provide quality pet care. Call us today to book your first appointment.
