Holiday Pet Safety Tips to Protect Our Four-Legged Friends

The holidays are a hectic time for most. Between decorating, buying and wrapping gifts, and planning for all the festivities, there’s not a ton of extra time.

With so much to do, you might not think about how holiday decorations and treats can hurt your pet. But some traditional decorating tools can pose a threat to your furry friends.

Don’t let your excitement over the holiday season get in the way of your pet’s safety.

In this article, we’ll cover some simple, straightforward tips you can use right now to ensure your home is both festive and safe for your pets.

Deck the Halls With These Pet-Friendly Tips

It’s entirely possible to embrace the season in your home’s décor without posing any risks to your pets. Just use the tips below to make sure your decorations are safe for every member of your family.

Including family members with four legs!

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Select Your Tree Carefully

Live Christmas trees pose a threat to animals in several ways. Drinking from the water exposes pets to pesticides, preservatives, fertilizers and other toxins. Plus, needles that fall from the tree aren’t digestible and can be toxic.

Fir trees also produce tree oil that, if ingested, can lead to excessive drooling and vomiting.

Artificial trees can also be hazardous, especially if they’re old. Trees made of plastic or aluminum tend to dry out over time, allowing pieces to break off. Pets can hurt their mouths by chewing on them. Or, worse yet, artificial parts can cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Still, artificial trees are the safest choice by far.

Just make sure yours is in new condition. Add to the safety by creating a creative base to keep pets away. Safety gates, stacks of gifts and cage enclosures are just some of the ways pet parents keep their dogs and cats away from the tree.

Ditch the Tinsel

Tinsel is a holiday classic, thanks to its festive flair. Cats, in particular, love a sparkly aesthetic.

But while your feline friends may enjoy tinsel, even chasing stray strands, it’s not particularly safe.

If ingested, this simple decoration can end up causing a blockage, sometimes requiring surgery.

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Light With Care

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a candle flame in the dark of winter. Even so, lighting fires at home is always risky business. After all, your pets may not understand the danger that comes with fire in the home.

But having a pet doesn’t mean tossing candles to the curb.

You’re welcome to enjoy festive candlelight … with appropriate supervision. Just be sure to blow out every candle once you leave the room.

Hide the Sweets

You’ve heard by now that dogs can’t eat chocolate. Be sure to place your treats out of reach. Keeping your pets off the table will also encourage better eating habits and better animal etiquette.

Creating a safe environment during the holidays also involves creative thinking.

For example, pets have been known to dig through garbage or pounce at the perfect moment for a delicious reward. Keep your garbage secure, your pets out of the way, and your party running without a hitch.

Go (Temporarily) Pet-Free

Holidays are a time for food, family and fun, but pets can sometimes get underfoot. With all the comings and goings, guests may let a cat loose or a dog into the yard.

The last thing you need on any holiday is a pet emergency!

Put your pets in a separate room and preferably out of each other’s way as a potential solution. Save yourself the hassle of multitasking by focusing on the festivities and giving your guests a soiree to remember.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the holiday frenzy can get the best of us. Don’t let your holiday merriment overshadow pet safety!

Try a few of these practical suggestions to keep your animals in the clear. Here’s to a safe and satisfying holiday season.

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