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The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of danger for our pets. Between all the extra guests coming over, loud noises, and strange foods, it’s important to take some precautions to keep your furry friend safe. In this article, we will discuss some holiday safety tips for pet parents. So read on to make sure your pet is prepared for a safe and happy holiday season!

1. Keep them away from the Christmas tree.

Pets are curious creatures, and that can spell trouble when there’s a Christmas tree in the house. Make sure to keep your pets away from the tree to avoid any accidents. If you have a cat, consider getting a tree with a sturdy base so it doesn’t tip over easily. And if you have a dog, be sure to keep an eye on them around the tree so they don’t knock it over, try to eat the decorations, or drink the water.

2. Be careful with holiday plants.

Many common holiday plants are toxic to pets if ingested. So if you’re decorating with holly or mistletoe, make sure to keep them out of reach of your pets. If you think your pet has eaten any of these plants, call your vet immediately.

 

3. Keep an eye on their food intake.

With all the New Year holiday parties and gatherings, it’s easy for our pets to sneak a few extra treats here and there. But too much food can lead to stomach issues or even obesity in some animals. However, weight gain isn’t the only concern for our pets. Some foods such as chocolate and raisins can be toxic to animals if ingested, so make sure to keep these away from your pet.

 

As you’re celebrating with guests, it’s easy for leftover food or beverages to be cast aside. And, once you’re swept up in conversation and laughter, you may not notice your pet snacking on the leftovers. So make sure to keep an eye out and always throw away any leftover and unattended food.

 

4. Make sure they have ID tags/microchips.

 

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy for pets to get lost in the shuffle. But if they have ID tags or microchips, you can rest assured knowing that your chances of finding them improve if they do get lost. So before the holiday madness begins, make sure your pet is properly tagged and/or chipped just in case they decide to take a little wander during all the commotion.

 

5. Give them a safe place to retreat to.

With extra noise and even fireworks, our pets need to have a place where they can go and feel safe. This could be a crate, a bed, or just a quiet corner of the house. Make sure to take some time each day to give your pet some extra attention, but also peace away from all the holiday activities.

 

Monitor your pet for signs of holiday stress. Stress can manifest in many ways, such as changes in behavior, cowering, growling, hiding, or increased aggression.

Happy Holidays! We hope these tips help keep your animal companions safe and sound this holiday season. From all of us at Magnolia Springs Veterinary Center, we wish you and your furry friends a joyous holiday celebration!

 

Photo Credit: Pexels/Lorena Esparza