To make the holidays just as enjoyable for them as they are for you, follow these pet safety tips.
While you’re decking the halls, entertaining friends + fam, and making your lists + checking them twice…don’t forget about your household pets.
Cats Love Trees.
Your holiday tree is often the focal point of seasonal decorating, and as much as you love it, it can be just as appealing to your pet, especially if you own a cat. Cats see a tree, and thoughts of pouncing on branches and swatting at lights fill their mind.
Put the tree in a corner, so it can’t tip into a window and might be less of a distraction to your furry friends.
If you have a real tree, keep pets away from the tree water and pine needles. Pine needles can cause stomach irritation, and stagnant water is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Securely anchor the tree so it doesn’t come crashing down on your pet.
Avoid lighting the tree’s lowermost branches. Your pet could get tangled in the wire or burn himself on the light bulb. And both dogs and cats could suffer from shock if they bite through the wire.
Dangerous Plants + Decorations
Mistletoe and holly are both extremely dangerous for pets. When ingested, they could suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiovascular problems.
If you have a cat, be sure to also avoid lilies. They can cause kidney failure in your feline friend if they’re eaten.
Tinsel can make a tree sparkle and shine but it’s extremely dangerous for your pets. If swallowed, it could block intestines, which can be fatal without immediate surgery. Either skip it all together, or only hang it where you know your pets can never reach it.
Blow Out the Candles
Never leave candles unattended. Just a few minutes alone with a candle, and your pet could cause serious harm to himself or your house. Pets are drawn to new and exciting things, and the dancing flame from a candle is sure to entice. I
f you leave the room, put the candle out to ensure your pet doesn’t burn himself or cause a fire by knocking it over.
Stocking Stuffers
Are you planning to give your furry friends a holiday gift this year?
Be extra careful when choosing new treats or toys. Select chew toys that will hold up over time, such as Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy treats.
While long dangling things are a cat’s dream come true, ribbon and yarn are extremely dangerous choices. These parts can get stuck in the intestines and force your cat into emergency surgery. Instead, gift your kitty a new ball that’s too big to swallow. If you really want to make the holiday special for your feline, choose a stuffed catnip toy or something interactive.
Happy New Year
The sound of fireworks could frighten your pet and cause them great distress.
Noisy New Year’s Eve poppers could cause damage to sensitive ears. Make sure your pets are in a secure, safe, and relaxing environment that they can’t escape from should they get frightened.
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve bash, be very careful how you celebrate the ball drop or midnight countdown. Confetti can become lodged in a cat’s intestines and result in a need for surgery.
During this holiday season, it’s important to remember that the constant excitement, new decorations, and unfamiliar scents could cause your pets to explore things they normally don’t or become stressed and sick.
Keep eating and exercise routines as normal as possible, and don’t forget that this time of year can be super stressful for them, too!
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