Yes, another holiday season is upon us—already! Remember to relax, enjoy yourself, don’t stress, and keep your pets safe.
Dangerous decorations
Many holiday decorations are dangerous for your furred family members. Cats are wizards of chaos on Christmas trees or Hanukkah lights, of course. And dogs, less gracefully, can get tangled in strings of lights, or (shockingly!) chew through electrical cords, and, yes, even pee on real Christmas trees.
(I can understand canines’ confusion: A live, pee-able tree appears inside. “About time!” they’re thinking.) Keep them away from the new “indoor bathroom” with a gate or tree collar, or a safe deterrent spray. And cover the tree’s base and water-filled stand with aluminum foil, detested by felines and canines.
Avoid pet-induced tree-toppling by securing your tree to the ceiling with fishing line. Brilliant! Or consider a sturdy tabletop tree instead. Use pet-safe, non-breakable ornaments. And don’t use food-based ornaments, like candy canes, that may draw in pets.
Of course never leave lit candles unattended. Odds are your pet won’t be among the very few who have somehow called 911. https://theweek.com/articles/476869/amazing-dog-that-saved-life-by-calling-police
Dangerous food
Fido and Kitty do not need your tasty holiday treats. Rich foods and sauces, candy, etc. can upset stomachs. The last thing a holiday gathering needs is explosive pet diarrhea in the living room! Sure, everyone will remember your party, but is it worth it?
Also many human foods are poisonous for animals: chocolate, sweets made with xylitol, grapes/raisins, and onions. Bones can choke or block the intestines. Unbaked yeast dough can cause painful gas and dangerous bloating.
If you must give your pet a “holiday snack,” give them seasonal dog/cat treats.
Immediately clear food off tables, counters and serving areas when done, and put the trash out of pets’ reach. A carcass or large chunk of meat sitting out or in an easy-to-open trash bin is just too tempting.
In fact, all trash should be cleared away, lest sparkly ribbons and pretty giftwrap become fatal toys.
Dangerous plants
Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are all dangerous and even poisonous to pets. The ASPCA offers a more comprehensive list of plants toxic to dogs and cats. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
And, always, keep potpourri, liquid or otherwise, out of reach of pets.
If you want to use an additive in your Christmas tree water—to keep it green longer—make sure it’s safe for pets!
Dangerous guests?
Make sure your pets, no matter how friendly, have a comfortable, indoor, quiet place to retreat to—somewhere guests won’t go. Big, loud gatherings can stress EVERYBODY!
If your pets are already nervous around visitors, maybe put them in another room or a crate with a favorite toy. If guests turn your furred family members psycho, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions.
Also, watch the exits. While you’re welcoming guests, a four-legged family member can make a break for it and get lost. It’s a good time to ensure your animals’ ID tags and microchips are up to date. So if they do sneak out, they’re more likely to be returned.
Well, I think I’ve given ya’ll plenty to be worried about this season! Do have fun—but carefully!