The holiday season has arrived! It’s time for family get-togethers, gift giving, decorating, holiday feasts, houseguests, and so much more! Whether you’re the hostess with the mostest, or planning a few low-key holiday activities, you want to ensure all of your family members enjoy the season – even the four-legged, furry ones!
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, here are some holiday pet care tips to help keep your canine companion and favorite feline safe, happy and healthy during this festive season:
DECORATIONS
No matter how well-behaved Fido or Fluffy may be, it’s best to keep holiday decorations out of paw’s reach. Toxic holiday plants such as holly, poinsettias and mistletoe may look especially inviting to your kitty, and the results of even a small nip can be dangerous. Plastic and glass tree ornaments may be mistaken for toys, electrical wires can be chewed, tinsel and garland can be choking hazards, and holiday figurines can easily be knocked over and broken with the flip of a tail, resulting in a risk of ingestion or lacerations.
CANDLES
‘Tis the season for deliciously scented candles, the smells of cinnamon, gingerbread, pine and pumpkin wafting through the air. Just as the scent can draw you in, it can be equally enticing to your pet. Prevent possible burns and injuries by keeping lit candles completely out of paw’s reach, and never leave them burning unattended. Not only can your pet accidentally burn himself, but a simple flick of a paw or twitch of a tail can knock a burning candle over, causing a house fire.
GIFTS
Sure, those beautifully wrapped boxes sitting under the tree look festive, but they can be harmful for a curious canine or kitty. Our pets have a keen sense of smell, and if the contents of a gift smell appealing, that’s all it takes to pique Fluffy or Fido’s interest as to what’s inside. Most pets will be more than happy to unwrap the gift and eat the wrapping and the contents, making way for a very unhappy digestive tract. And those bows you picked to match the wrapping paper, and the ribbons you curled yourself, can be a serious choking hazard for your pet. So where should you keep holiday gifts? You guessed it – out of paw’s reach!
HOLIDAY HOUSEGUESTS
If you’re having guests stay in your home for the holidays, a few pre-emptive measures can help keep your pet safe and sound. First, make sure everyone in your home keeps their medication (prescription and OTC) tucked safely away. The last thing you want is for your prying pet to ingest something that may very well be lethal. Second, inform your houseguests that sharing food and drink with Fido and Fluffy is a big no-no. There are several holiday meal ingredients – such as onions, sage, raisins and garlic – that are toxic for your pet. Finally, with houseguests comes commotion, so be sure your pet has a quiet, comfortable place to retreat.
The holidays are a time for peace, love, sharing, giving and happiness. Give your pet peace, love and happiness during the holidays – and every day! – and he’ll be sure to share many years of companionship and unconditional love with you in return!
All of us at Happy Tails are here for your pet care needs throughout the upcoming busy weeks.
We wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons.
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