Holiday Safety Tails for Pet Owners
The joy of the holiday season is meant to be shared with friends and family, two- and four-legged ones alike. However, many of your favorite festivities are hazardous for cats and dogs, so understanding these dangers is key to keeping your furry pal out of the emergency veterinary hospital for Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
To highlight potential holiday hazards your pet may inadvertently stick their nose into, our furry friends, Figgy the Boston terrier and Fruitcake the long-haired cat, share their past holiday experiences—and disasters. Read along and let these festive but fictitious pets help you prepare your home, guests, and pets for the holidays.
O Christmas Tree: Tree Troubles for Pets
Figgy: "The Christmas tree is up, and I can’t wait to explore! Those ornaments look like the perfect chew toys, and I’m eager to sniff around and discover what else might be hidden in those prickly branches and under the tree itself."
Fruitcake: "I agree! But beware, Figgy. Those shiny ornaments and twinkling lights may look like toys, but they're not. Don’t touch them with your paws—or your teeth! Not to mention the water in the bowl at the bottom of the tree—it’s loaded with chemicals, and will become stagnant and full of bacteria and mold."
Pro Tips:
Christmas lights are a dazzling display, but they can be a bit too tempting for curious pets. Ensure sparkly lights and ornaments are securely fastened and out of chewing reach, and choose nonbreakable ornaments with no metal hooks. Electric shocks and paws cut by broken glass are no fun, especially during the holidays. Also, secure your tree to prevent it being toppled, and block your pet’s access to the water in the tree stand.
All Wrapped Up: Ribbon and Tinsel Temptations for Pets
Fruitcake: "Ah, the shimmering allure of tinsel! It sparkles, it dangles—it's simply irresistible!"
Figgy: "But it's a no-no. Ingesting tinsel can cause serious tummy trouble when it lodges in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Let's admire it from afar, my feline friend. I learned my lesson when I ripped through gift wrap to get to a treat I had sniffed. One emergency surgery later, I was extremely sore, and I knew to never mess with any string-like strand again!”
Pro Tips:
Avoid stringing tinsel or garland along your tree, doorways, or mantle, and refrain from adorning packages with ribbons and bows, which are all exceptionally appealing to cats and can result in a linear foreign body, if ingested. A linear foreign body causes the intestinal tract to bunch up as it tries to move the strand along, but sepsis can result if the tinsel or ribbon saws through the intestinal walls.
Drool-Worthy Treats: Holiday Feast Fiascos for Pets
Figgy: "Ah, what a drool-worthy aroma coming from the kitchen! I would love to make a plate loaded with ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green bean casserole, topped off with a helping of chocolate silk pie for dessert.”
Fruitcake: "Paws off, Figgy! Back away from the kitchen and no one gets hurt. All those dishes you just mentioned are dangerous for pets. High-sodium and high-fat foods can cause pancreatitis, while garlic, onions, and chives can lead to anemia. And, we all know what chocolate does to dogs—the chocolatey vomit odor has never quite come out of the living room rug after the Halloween debacle. Remember: Safety first, deliciousness second!"
Pro Tips:
Do not share your holiday feast, including any leftovers, with your pet. The majority of dishes contain pet-toxic or hazardous ingredients, and any food eaten off your plate, from under the table, or out of the trash can can harm your pet. Instead, make them their own pet-friendly plate with mashed sweet potatoes, corn off the cob, steamed green beans, and skinless, boneless turkey breast. Ensure all their foods are served plain without butter, salt, or other seasonings.
People, People Everywhere: Partygoer Problems for Pets
Fruitcake: "Everywhere I look, there’s another person I don’t know coming after me to try to pet my luscious fur! Can’t a cat use the litter box in peace?"
Figgy: "You’re so right, Fruitcake! I’m no party animal, and all these strangers on my turf are making me uncomfortable. Not to mention, the horrible off-key singing is hurting my ears! Let’s head to the back bedroom to hide out in our sanctuary.”
Pro Tips:
Although your guests may be animal lovers, not all animals are people lovers, and unfamiliar house guests, who often cannot pick up on body language cues that indicate your pet is uncomfortable, can make your pet uneasy. Ensure your pet has a safe retreat that is off-limits to guests and stocked with all their favorites to keep them entertained during the festivities.
Despite the most well-laid plans, pets most always have some mischief hidden under their collars. If your furry pal ends up on the naughty list this holiday season, give our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team a call for help.