The holiday season is here, and while the bearded guy with all the toys is checking his naughty or nice list, you should be checking your pet safety list. As you get busy decking the halls and preparing for various festivities, remember to consider the season from your pet’s point of view. The holidays pose many safety hazards for Santa’s furry helpers, and nothing says, “Bah! Humbug!” like an emergency veterinary visit. Our Milford Animal Hospital team loves seeing our pet patients, but we’d rather your dog or cat stay safe and sound at home during the holidays. Ensure your pet enjoys a safe and happy holiday by following our holiday pet safety checklist.  

Ensure your holiday plants are pet-safe

During the holidays, many people decorate with festive foliage. While seasonal plants are included in beautiful table centerpieces and floral arrangements, many of them are harmful or toxic to pets. Before you deck your halls with greenery, check out the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poisonous Plant Guide to learn which plants are toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet has ingested a toxic plant or is exhibiting toxicity signs, contact our team, or call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center. Your pet can become seriously ill if they ingest any of the following plants:

  • Holly — If your pet eats holly’s sharp leaves, they can injure their mouth, and experience vomiting, diarrhea, lip smacking, head shaking, and anorexia. If your pet ingests a large amount of holly, they can experience an intestinal blockage.
  • Mistletoe — If your dog or cat eats mistletoe, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and a low heart rate. 
  • Lilies — Lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Your whiskered pal can experience severe renal failure or death if they ingest or even brush against any part of the lily.
  • Amaryllis — The flowering amaryllis contains lycorine and other toxins. If your cat or dog ingests amaryllis, they can experience excessive salivation, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. 
  • Poinsettias — While poinsettias are not toxic for pets unless they consume a large amount, poinsettia leaves’ sap is irritating to your pet’s mouth and throat. If your pet eats poinsettia leaves, they will likely become nauseated and vomit.

Decorate with your pet’s safety in mind

Decorating for the holidays is a festive tradition, but remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind as you deck your halls. Consider the following holiday season decor hazards: 

  • Secure the Christmas tree — Securely anchor your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling over if your pet investigates. When you securely anchor your Christmas tree, you help prevent your pet from experiencing an accident and potential injuries.
  • Elevate decorations — Place fragile ornaments, lights, and other small decorations high up on the tree and around the house. To reduce your pet’s choking or ingestion risk, keep all decorations out of their reach.
  • Skip the tinsel — Tinsel adds a special touch to any tree, but the shiny strands can be far too tempting for a curious cat. If your cat ingests tinsel, the strands can block their intestines, which can require surgical removal. Skip the tinsel if you are worried your cat may swallow the strands while playing with them.
  • Cover cords — Cords and wires can be dangerous to curious pets who may mistake them for chew toys. Cover electrical cords to prevent your pet from chewing on the wires and becoming shocked or burned, or starting a house fire.

Keep holiday food out of your pet’s reach 

You may feel extra generous during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you should share your food with your pet. Many popular holiday dishes contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, including:

  • Chocolate
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Sugar-free desserts
  • Unbaked dough
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Keep all holiday foods intended for people out of your pet’s reach. Do not share table scraps with your dog or cat. Instruct guests to also refrain from sharing their foods with your pet. In addition, securely close trash cans to keep your pet from snagging harmful leftovers.  

Consider your pet when hosting holiday gatherings

Holiday gatherings can be stressful for many pets. Help your pet cope by introducing them to new people gradually and providing a quiet, safe space where they can retreat if they feel stressed or anxious. Let your guests know they need to respect your pet’s boundaries, and ensure you explain all your house rules to help ensure everyone enjoys a fun and safe holiday gathering. 

Follow our pet safety checklist to help prevent your pet from experiencing a veterinary emergency during the holiday season. Gift your dog or cat with good health by scheduling your pet’s annual wellness exam with our Milford Animal Hospital Team, so you can enjoy many more holidays with your furry best friend.