The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but you may forget about the furry part of your family during the busy and hectic holiday season. It's important to keep a watchful eye on your pet during those crazy times, and keep an eye on other people around your pet as well. Someone feeding your pet beneath the table or playing a little too rough with Fido may not end well. See below for some helpful tips and things you can do to help keep your pet safe this holiday season.
Keep Pets In Another Room
Try to keep stress levels down around your home for your dog or cat by putting your pet in a separate room or in a crate by themselves and away from your guests. The quietness may be beneficial, especially for pets that don't like too many people around.
Place Decorations Up High
Decorations such as ornaments, string lights, tinsel, and other decorations can be harmful to your dog and cat if ingested. Try to keep them up high and out of reach to try and prevent your pet from eating them. Other decorations such as poinsettia plants can be toxic for your dog or cat. If you have either at home, it's best to keep these plants away from your pets.
Feed Them Pet Food Only
Human food can be very dangerous for your pets, not just during the holidays, but all the time. Foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions are dangerous for your dog and cat to ingest, as are pork bones for dogs since they can splinter. Be careful when you have guests in your home that they understand not to feed your dog or cat any human food or try to give them alcohol. You may be able to tell Fido "no," but your guests may not be able to handle those big brown eyes staring at them while they're enjoying their dinner.
Blow Out Candles
Those candles probably smell great and look beautiful, but when Kitty knocks one of them over and sets the curtains ablaze, that smell is the last thing you'll be thinking about. Remember to blow out candles at night or when you leave the house, or skip them altogether to prevent any fires in your home.
Your pet is part of your family. Remember them during the holiday season and keep a watchful eye on them. If you think they may have ingested something hazardous or they are throwing up or have diarrhea, call your veterinarian for an appointment to have your pet examined.
