The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and celebration. As pet parents, it’s important to include our furry companions in the festivities while prioritizing their safety. To help ensure a happy and healthy holiday for your pets, we’ve compiled a list of essential safety tips covering various aspects of the season:
Food Safety:
Adult Beverages
While toasting to the holidays, be cautious with alcoholic beverages and infused dishes. Keep them out of reach, as even small amounts can harm pets, causing coordination issues, vomiting, respiratory distress, etc.
Caffeine
Coffee and tea run rampant during the holiday season. While it may be necessary to help us power through the festivities, it can cause muscle twitching, palpitations, and overactivity in pets.
Sweets
Chocolates, candies, and baked goods are abundant during the holidays. However, many sweets contain ingredients like chocolate and xylitol that are toxic to pets. Make sure these items are stored securely and away from curious paws.
Leftovers
While sharing is caring, not all human foods are safe for pets. Avoid feeding your pets fatty, spicy, or seasoned leftovers. Stick to pet-friendly foods. Opt for pet-safe alternatives like Edibites to ensure your pets can indulge in the delicious festivities.
Fruits and Veggies
Certain fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic, can be harmful to pets. Be cautious when preparing holiday meals, and keep these ingredients away from your four-legged friends.
Cold Weather Safety:
Wiping Snow and Salt Off
After outdoor adventures, wipe off snow and salt from your pet’s paws to prevent irritation and ingestion. Ice-melting chemicals can be toxic, so using pet-safe alternatives is recommended. Apply Skin & Paw Releaf topical to help protect paws from external irritants and support cracked paws, dry noses, and irritated skin.
Antifreeze Awareness
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is lethal to pets even in small amounts. Ensure your vehicle doesn’t have leaks, and store antifreeze securely out of reach.
Plant Safety:
Mistletoe, Holly, and Poinsettias
These festive plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them in pet-free zones or opt for artificial varieties. Be aware of any fallen leaves or berries that might attract your pet’s attention.
Decoration Safety:
Secure the Christmas Tree
Ensure your Christmas tree is securely anchored to prevent it from toppling over if your pet decides to explore or climb.
Keep Candles Out of Reach
Choose electric and flameless alternatives or make sure to keep candles out of reach because pets can knock them down and burn themselves or cause a fire.
Be Mindful of Tinsel
Cats are attracted to tinsel as they often resemble toys, but accidentally swallowing the smallest piece can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery.
Hide Electrical Cords
Decorative lights and cords can pose a chewing hazard. Keep them out of reach or secure them with pet-proof coverings.
Remember that pets are creatures of habit, and it’s crucial to keep your pet’s eating and exercise routines as close to their normal as possible. Some pets may find holiday gatherings stressful. Create a quiet space with their bed and favorite toys to provide an area they can utilize if they want. Administer Stress Releaf CBD oil to promote relaxation and offer additional calming support. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which is a processing system both humans and animals have. The ECS influences many bodily functions, including the nervous system. When the ECS is regulated, pets are better equipped to handle stress and remain calm during times of change and irregular routines.
Animal Poison Control and Vet Contact:
In case of an emergency, be prepared by having the contact information for animal poison control (1-888-426-4435) and your veterinarian readily available.