Holiday Awareness and Pets

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Every year throughout the holiday seasons, thousands of families are changed. Holidays can create some very unique dangers to your pet. We all know how busy these holiday seasons can be. Planning, shopping, traveling, cooking, and entertaining can cause us to “forget” about our most loyal friends. Being aware of these dangers is the first step to prevention and will help lead your pet to a long happy life.

New Year’s

While ringing in the New Year keep in mind- noise makers can frighten your pet causing your pet to flee the scene, looking for the safest place to hide. Entertainers also use confetti, streamers, and balloons to celebrate. Confetti is easily ingested and may seriously injure the animal’s digestive tract.

Valentine’s Day

Ensure that your heart shaped boxes are placed in a safe area- out of reach. Chocolate is often fatal to animals, especially cats, when consumed in a large quantity or over a long period of time.

Easter

The infamous Easter “grass” is not something the digestive tract can break down. It will build up in the intestines and if not treated cause a severe blockage.

St. Patrick’s Day

Will bring the Irish out in anyone. Please remember that alcohol is toxic to your pets.

The 4th of July

The sudden loud noises and bright colors from fireworks can scare even the most fearless animal, causing them to run away in terror. A carelessly thrown firecracker can seriously maim or dismember your pet. Please keep your pet inside while celebrating.

Halloween

People often pull pranks on black pets. If outdoors at this time, keep your pet on a leash to ensure they are supervised at all times. Candy wrappers are often found to be a cause of several digestive problems. Ensure all candy is in a secure place.

Thanksgiving

Watch those hot containers, an animal can easily tip them over causing severe scalding and burns. Ensure that you do not feed your pet these foods. Human seasonings and excessive fat can severely upset your pet’s stomach. BONES are very dangerous- especially poultry bones. They can splinter and cause non repairable damage to the digestive tract.

Christmas

Place wooden, metal, or resin-cast ornaments on lower branches of your tree. Just in case you’re pet decides to take interest. Tinsel is not toxic- but it is extremely dangerous if ingested causing the same result as Easter “grass”. Try not to tie bows or ribbons around your pet’s neck. They could easily choke or hang themselves if the ribbon is caught on an object. Ensure all of your electric cords are tacked down or covered. Holly, Mistletoe, and Poinsettia’s are only a few of the seasonal plants that can seriously affect the health of your pet.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be very enjoyable and stress free if you keep these suggestions in mind. There is nothing scarier then losing your most loyal friend. Pets can be as curious as any toddler. Always being aware of your surroundings and prepared for any situation will make you a better pet owner in the end.