Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Holidays are a time for cheerful gatherings of families and, of course, that includes the furry ones too. To help ensure those furry friends stay safe and healthy in the midst of the feasts and celebrations, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Food

Chocolate and food with xylitol can be lethal, even in small amounts, so keep human food out of reach. Xylitol is commonly found in sugar-free foods like peanut butter. You also should not feed fatty or spicy foods or bones to your pet. Bones can become lodged in the esophagus or lacerate the intestines. Alcohol can also cause your pet to become very ill, from gastro-intestinal upset to coma and respiratory failure.

Plants

Holly and mistletoe may cause vomiting and diarrhea and mistletoe can also cause cardiovascular issues in an animal. Poinsettias are toxic to cats.

Decorations

Small decorations and tinsel can be swallowed, as they are hard to resist to playful dogs and cats. This could lead to an obstruction and, if not caught in time, could result in an expensive surgery and even death. Glass ornaments can break and cut your pet’s mouth or esophagus. As well, be mindful of candles - you don’t want your pet to accidentally knock one over and cause tissue burns and/ or catch your house on fire. Like any time of the year, keep electrical cords and batteries out of reach, as they can cause electrical shock or burns to the mouth and can be harmful if ingested.

Christmas Tree

Anchor your Christmas tree properly so it doesn’t fall over onto your pet or while your pet is in the tree. If you are using a live tree, be sure to change the water in the base frequently to keep the types of bacteria that breed in stagnant water from growing. This bacteria can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Also be careful about using fertilizers or additives that may be added to the water and may be toxic to your pet.

Visitors

If your pet is on the shy or fearful side, be cautious when introducing them to new people. They may become overwhelmed. You can give them a room of their own or have them in their crate. Make sure visitors to your home do not have medicine within reach of your pet. If you have visitors in and out of your house, make sure pets do not have access to the frequently used door. Try to keep your pet’s routine as close to normal as possible to reduce anxiety.

Gift Of Family

That being said, the holidays are a wonderful time to bring home a new adopted dog or cat. What greater present for a shelter animal than a family? Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is here to help make that happen. Go to www.wilcotx.gov/pets to see all our adoptable dogs and cats!