Protect Your Pets This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of celebration, gatherings, and indulgent feasts—but it can also be a dangerous time for our furry family members. As you prepare to deck the halls, it’s essential to keep your pets’ safety in mind. Here are some common holiday pitfalls for pets and how to avoid them.

Holiday Feasts and Treats: The Risk of Pancreatitis

It’s tempting to share holiday meals with our pets, but fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, buttered dishes, and even certain desserts can trigger a potentially life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis.

What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite in pets. Rich, fatty foods are the primary culprits, and the holidays often bring an abundance of these.

How to Prevent It:

• Stick to pet-safe treats and meals.
• Ensure guests know not to feed your pets scraps from the table.
• Keep trash and leftovers securely covered to avoid sneaky snacking.

Decorations Can Be Dangerous

Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments might make your home festive, but they can also pose significant risks for pets. Cats are particularly drawn to tinsel, which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested, while dogs might chew and swallow small ornament pieces.

How to Prevent Issues:

• Use pet-safe decorations, like fabric or plastic ornaments that won’t shatter.
• Secure Christmas trees to prevent tipping.
• Keep electrical cords out of reach to avoid chewing hazards.

Toxic Holiday Plants

Some popular holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies, are toxic to pets. Ingesting these plants can lead to symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe poisoning.

How to Prevent Issues:

• Decorate with pet-safe alternatives like silk flowers or faux greenery.
• Place toxic plants well out of reach or avoid them altogether.

Holiday Stress and Anxiety

The hustle and bustle of the holidays, including unfamiliar visitors and noisy celebrations, can be overwhelming for pets.

How to Reduce Stress:

• Create a quiet, safe space for your pets to retreat to during gatherings.
• Stick to their regular routines as much as possible, including mealtimes and walks.
• Consider calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps if your pet is particularly nervous.

Traveling with Pets

If your holiday plans include traveling, make sure to prepare your pets for the journey. Long car rides, new environments, and unfamiliar people can be stressful.

Travel Safety Tips:

• Use a secure carrier or harness during car rides.
• Bring familiar items like their bed or favorite toys.
• Ensure they’re microchipped and have up-to-date tags in case they get lost.

A Safe and Happy Holiday for All

By planning ahead and being mindful of these potential hazards, you can ensure a safe and joyous holiday season for both you and your pets. Remember, when in doubt about something your pet has eaten or if they’re showing signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Want to learn more? Join us at our free Festive Fido Humane Education event to discover even more tips and tricks for keeping your pets safe and happy this holiday season. We’ll cover everything from holiday hazards to stress-free celebrations for your furry family members.

Let’s keep the holidays merry and bright—for everyone in the family!