As you gear up for another busy holiday season, consider how the festivities affect your pet, and put plans in place to ensure your holidays are merry and pet-friendly. Our team at WesVet Animal Hospital shares five tips to keep your pet safe during the holidays. 

#1: Make your pet’s holiday plans in advance

Before your holiday schedule ramps up, plan where your pet will stay if you are traveling or hosting a holiday gathering. If you are considering boarding your pet at any time during the holidays, make your reservation early, as spots fill up quickly this time of year. You will also need to make a veterinary appointment if your pet is not up to date on the vaccinations that boarding facilities require. Also, be prepared for a holiday pet emergency by knowing the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic’s location and contact information, and the ASPCA Poison Control details. 

#2: Take a pet-friendly approach to holiday decorations

The beautiful holiday decorations that come with the season are special to us, but for a curious pet, they are temptations with the risk of serious consequences. As you prepare to deck the halls, put yourself in your pet’s shoes—er, paws—and take these simple precautions to avoid a decoration pet disaster: 

  • Secure your tree — Pets who climb Christmas trees or play with lights and ornaments can easily tip the trees over. So, securely anchor your tree at the base to prevent them from tipping and falling, and consider tying fishing line from the treetop to the wall or door frame for added support. Don’t let your pet drink the water from the base of a live tree, as chemical additives can be toxic to your pet. Also, water that sits too long in the stand can develop mold, which can also pose a toxic threat to your pet. Look for an enclosed tree stand that will discourage your pet from taking a sip. 
  • Place ornaments up high — Many of us have accumulated an eclectic collection of ornaments of all shapes, sizes, and textures that look like toys to your pet, and can lead to a dangerous situation for a pet who can’t resist the temptation to bite or play with them. The shards from a glass ornament can cut the inside of your pet’s mouth, and any swallowed ornament can cause a serious gastrointestinal (GI) blockage, so leave the lowest branches bare. 
  • Loosen up on the lights — Yes, you want your tree to shine as bright as a star, but for the sake of your pet, a less-is-more approach is better when lighting your tree. A pet who chews through a cord can be burned or electrocuted, or start a fire, so place lights high on your tree, tuck all cords out of reach, and unplug lights and decorations when you’re not around.  

#3: Choose pet-friendly floral arrangements

 Many popular holiday floral arrangements contain plants that can be toxic to pets, including:

  • Holly
  • Mistletoe
  • Evergreens
  • Lilies
  • Azaleas
  • Poinsettias

Check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and choose pet-friendly flowers for your holiday decorations.

#4: Say “No” to sharing table scraps with your pet

You may be feeling extra generous during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you should share your food with your pet. Large amounts of fatty food consumed at once can cause pancreatitis (i.e., inflammation of the pancreas, which aids in food digestion and glucose [i.e., sugar] regulation). Pancreatitis cases in pets increase during the holidays because people often indulge their pets with holiday treats, foods, and table scraps. Share healthy, pet-safe holiday treats, such as small amounts of white turkey meat and plain, cooked vegetables, all in moderation, with your pet, rather than food off your plate. 

#5: Set your pet up for success at your holiday shindigs

While you may not have the luxury of going into hiding when you host a holiday party, you can ensure your pet can relax away from the hustle and bustle by setting up a quiet area or room, playing soft music to drown out the party noise, and providing a special treat, such as a Kong filled with xylitol-free peanut butter, to keep them busy.  

We hope your holiday season is filled with love, gratitude, and plenty of pet snuggles. We hope these tips will help ensure a pet-safe holiday, but if your pet gets into any trouble, do not hesitate to contact our WesVet Animal Hospital team for advice.