10 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Pet Care
Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

With all the holiday decorations going up, we must remember to make our homes safe for our furry friends. There may be items they may get tangled in or food they can’t have. The holidays can be a dangerous time for pets!

Here are some tips to keep in mind this holiday season:

1. Keep ornaments and lights out of reach: When putting up your tree, be careful with low hanging lights as pets can get tangled up in them or get shocked if they chew on them. Additionally, ornaments can be a choking hazard and can be easily broken. Go for plastic ornaments instead.

2. Ribbons and tinsels: While these are a nice touch to your tree, they can damage your pet’s intestines. Make sure to pick up any ribbons after unwrapping gifts or pet your pet in a different room.

Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays3. Anchor your tree: Place your tree in the corner of the house so it is away from any pet that is tempted to jump on it. Make sure it doesn’t fall over and that it doesn’t expose stagnant tree water that can be dangerous to pets.

4. Keep Christmas plants away: Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are poisonous. Keep them away from your pets.

5. No table scraps: Bones can puncture your pet’s intestines and fatty foods can cause an upset tummy. Keep your pets on their everyday food only.

6. Watch your pet: You don’t want your pet to get locked outside when the freezing weather hits or to ingest something they shouldn’t! Keep a close eye on your animal as guests come and go so they don’t slip out and also make sure food/drinks are out of your pet’s reach. Keeping an eye on your pet can be the difference between them being safe and having your holidays not be merry due to a pet emergency.

7. Avoid fireworks and noise makers: Noisy poppers can be terrifying! Many pets are scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches on New Year’s Eve.

Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays8. Keep doors closed: If you have guests staying with you, ask them to keep the door to their guest room closed so your pet doesn’t get into their suitcase and accidentally consume their clothing or any medications they travel with.

9. Give your pet its own room: The holidays can be stressful for pets with so many people coming and going from your home. Give your pet their own, designated area where they can hide out if they become too overwhelmed with the holiday hustle and bustle.

10. Keep your pet away from candles and fireplaces: Fireplaces are normally on at this time of year, since it’s so chilly outside and it’s not uncommon for people to light candles to decorate their homes. If you normally allow your pet to roam around the house, keep them away from the fireplace and candles. Also, be sure you have the right equipment around to deal with any potential fire related emergencies.

Whenever you decide to put up your tree or decorate your house, use these tips as you decorate to help keep your furry friends safe. Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Have you tried any of these tips before? Have anything to add? Leave a comment and let us know!