The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But if you're a pet owner, it's also important to be aware of the hazards that come along with the season. From festive decorations to holiday foods, there are plenty of things that can pose a danger to your furry friend. At Abbey Vet Hospital, we want to help you avoid disasters involving your four-legged family member. Here are four hazards to be aware of and how to keep your pet safe this holiday season.
Hazard #1: Christmas Trees and Holiday Decorations
To a curious pet, a Christmas tree is like a giant playground. But those glass ornaments and strings of lights can be dangerous if your pet decides to play with them. To avoid any accidents, keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand, and make sure all electrical cords are out of reach. It's also a good idea to keep any breakable ornaments up high where your pet can't reach them or switch to shatterproof ornaments.
Hazard #2: Candles
Candles are another common decoration during the holidays. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous if you're not careful. Pets can easily knock over candles, which could start a fire. And if your pet happens to knock over a candle that's still lit, they could get burned. If you have candles in your home, make sure they're placed in sturdy holders and keep them away from areas where your pets like to play or relax. Never leave lit candles unattended.
Hazard #3: Holiday Foods
The holidays wouldn't be complete without all of the delicious food that comes along with them. Before you let your pet indulge in those holiday goodies, it's important to know which foods can be dangerous for them. Chocolate is one of the most common offenders. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate in dogs. Another food to avoid giving your pet is turkey skin. While it might be tempting to let them have a little taste of that juicy turkey, the skin can cause pancreatitis in dogs and should be avoided altogether.
Hazard #4: Holiday Plants
Poinsettias, holly berries, and mistletoe are all popular holiday plants. But did you know they can also be poisonous to pets? If ingested, these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you have these plants in your home during the holidays, make sure they're out of reach of curious pets.
Conclusion
The holidays are a great time for family fun—but don't forget about pet safety! There are plenty of hazards that come along with the season, from Christmas trees and decorations to holiday foods and plants. By being aware of the potential dangers and taking some simple precautions, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy. If your pet does need to see a veterinarian in Antioch this holiday season, we are here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
