Celebrating the Holidays Safely with your Pets

Ready or not, welcome to the holiday season! For many, this is an exciting and wonderful time of year filled with friends, family, food and fun – and for our pets, too! As always, we do want to make sure our favorite furry creatures are safe and secure among the hoopla, so here are just a few reminders:

Decorations - It is a good idea to keep decorations out of reach as much as possible. The electrical cords and outlets for holiday lights can be intriguing, especially when in new places in the house. If a pet chews on a cord, electrical shock can occur. Tinsel décor isn’t toxic but can cause injury when it is consumed by getting tangled in your pet’s intestines. The sharp edges from pieces of delicate ornaments can cut your pet’s mouth, throat or stomach. If any of these instances occur, call your veterinary professional immediately.

Food – Turkey bones are dangerous for dogs. Bones are not only a choking hazard, but also can splinter and cause lacerations in the mouth or digestive system. Fatty foods can cause illness so keep an eye on treats, table scraps (particularly from guests who don’t know your pet as well as you) and droppings in the kitchen while cooking. Chocolate also poses a threat to your pet so be sure all sweet treats are stored properly.

Plants – Many holiday plants are poisonous. Take care with any variety of lilies as their leaves can be deadly to cats. Christmas pine needles, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias can all cause digestive problems and other significant issues for many pets.

Holiday Hustle and Bustle – Constant visitors and loud, boisterous activity can be stressful for your pets. Always make sure your favorite companions have a safe, comfortable and quiet place to decompress.

A few precautions and a little awareness can go a long way toward having an enjoyable holiday season. All of us at El Dorado Animal Hospital wish you and your pets a warm and safe holiday season.

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