Keeping Pets Safe Throughout the Holidays

Many of us go to great lengths child proofing our homes, especially during the holidays. But what about our pets? Do they not deserve a safe and happy holiday season as well? The fact that many of our holiday activities, including leftovers and decorations, pose a serious threat to our beloved pets should be reason enough to protect them. So this year, rethink your holiday routine by taking the proper precautions and make this holiday season and others to come safer and happier for everyone, including the pets.

Holiday Parties and Out-of-Town Get-Togethers

Holidays can be stressful for everyone, but have you ever thought to stop for a moment to consider how your pets are feeling. Even for the most calm and friendliest of animals, having a house filled with people, especially strangers or rambunctious children, can quickly become a stressful and upsetting time for them. In order to ease this anxiety, it may be a good idea to place your pets in another area of the home, away from the hustle and bustle of holiday activity. On the other hand, what about those holiday plans that take you away? Whether it's a couple days or a week, traveling with or without your pet can be a stressful occasion for them. Careful preparation and planning are essential when traveling with pets.

Find out well in advance whether your pet is welcome to come along. Often overlooked but extremely important before taking any trip with your pet is a health check with their veterinarian. Not only is it important that the animal is healthy enough for traveling, but it is equally important that your pet be up to date on all required vaccinations. In the event that your pet cannot withstand the rigors of travel, you should discuss other options such as using a reliable pet sitter or leaving the animal with your veterinarian in a boarding/kennel facility while you are away. Some animals do not like unfamiliar territory. Occasionally when in unfamiliar surroundings, an animal's appetite, energy, and temperament may change. Keep an eye out for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting, unusual lumps, limping, loss of appetite, excessive water consumption or abnormal changes in bowel movements. However, having their favorite food, toys, and bedding available can help make your pet more comfortable.

Holiday Leftovers and Treats

One of the biggest mistakes people make, myself included, is feeding our pets holiday leftovers and other treats. Not only can problems with weight become an issue, but conditions such as Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can develop, especially in dogs. Vomiting and abdominal pain are common signs, which can occasionally become fatal. Greasy and fatty foods can also cause stomach upset in pets. Bones, especially small ones or poultry, can be extremely dangerous to pets. These can become lodged in their throat, stomach, or intestinal tract. Loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, and depression are common symptoms. If left untreated (particularly if they have a perforated intestine), it can lead to death. Amazingly, numerous people overlook alcoholic beverages. Pets can become extremely sick, experiencing respiratory failure and even death from ingesting alcohol. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach from both children and pets.

People are not the only ones affected by food poisoning. Any food that has been left sitting or food that has been improperly cooked can have adverse affects on your pet. Symptoms mimic that of bone obstruction but may also be accompanied by a high fever, tremors, or seizures. Candy is a popular treat during the holidays. This can also be deadly to pets, especially chocolate. Cats and small dogs are usually the most susceptible. Symptoms can range from mild stomach upset, like vomiting and diarrhea, to hyperactivity, seizures, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate or death. Keep all sweets away from pets, even if they're wrapped. Their strong sense of smell can detect the slightest hint of the sweet morsels inside. The foil or cellophane wrappers can also become hazards, causing vomiting or intestinal blockage. Baking cookies and other treats is another common holiday tradition. Think about the health of your pets by insuring that they cannot eat any of these. Instead, consider making nutritional cookies or treats specifically tailored just for them.

Holiday Plants and Décor

Many plants commonly seen during the holidays also pose a safety issue for pets. Lilies are sometimes obtained from florists during the holidays (including Easter) and used as centerpieces. These plants, however, can be particularly dangerous to cats, causing kidney failure if ingested. Poinsettias are also popular. These plants, although not fatal, produce milky sap that can irritate an animal's skin and eyes. If eaten, it can also cause severe stomach upset. Both mistletoe and holly (the berries) can be toxic to pets as well. These can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and lethargy in pets.

Another common oversight in many homes includes live Christmas trees. The water in which the tree sits can cause stomach upset from tree preservative or aspirin. Christmas trees also pose other dangers to pets. For instance, enthusiastic dogs can easily knock them over by running into them. Likewise, they can topple over from the tree-climbing adventures imposed by curious cats. For this reason, you should not only support the tree with a sturdy stand but also consider anchoring the top to the wall (with rope) if possible. Don't forget about Christmas lights. Lights, even those not found on the tree, are dangerous. Not only can these become hot but many pets (especially puppies and cats) enjoy chewing on them. Chewed light cords may result in burns or electrical shock, which can be fatal. If possible, place lights in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Remember, "out of sight, out of mind."

The same holds true for Christmas ornaments and other decorations. Some ornaments can break easily and if swallowed can puncture the intestines. Even without ingesting them, the sharp pieces could cut their paws. Hooks can also pose a problem; therefore, you may want to reconsider using them. Avoid the use of tinsel on the Christmas tree. Cats are most at risk as they are attracted to its sparkling appearance. Tinsel and even ribbons can become lodged in their throats or intestines. Watch out for wrapped gifts that are decorated with bows, ribbons, or streamers. Again, pets run the risk of choking or blockage if ingested. Many other holiday decorations can be dangerous to our pets. For instance, candles can easily be knocked over, resulting in burns or fires.

While the holidays should provide festive entertainment to all, they should not be a cause for alarm. As responsible parents and caregivers, we make every effort to insure the safety of our children. Pets deserve the same loving protection as well. After all, our pets are family too.