{"id":748,"date":"2019-12-06T08:10:52","date_gmt":"2019-12-06T08:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmanvet.com\/?p=748"},"modified":"2021-08-18T12:38:56","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T19:38:56","slug":"holiday-pet-safety-tips-for-your-festivius","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/holiday-pet-safety-tips-for-your-festivius\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday Pet Safety Tips for Your Festivius"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The holiday season is upon us, and the days between Thanksgiving and New Year\u2019s promise to hold many celebrations with family and friends \u2013 and, of course, our pets. That\u2019s because a full 70% of American pet owners consider their pets to be family members \u2013 making holiday pet safety a must this holiday season.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The holidays can present some very real risk for our pets. From rich holiday foods to seasonal decorations, visitors, parties; it\u2019s important to be aware of how to keep our pets safe this time of year. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowman Veterinary Hospital<\/span><\/a> shares some of our best tips for holiday pet safety, and how to avoid a trip to the animal emergency room this year. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Seasonal Decorations and Plants<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oh, Christmas Tree. <\/b>Don\u2019t let your pets turn your Christmas tree into a jungle gym. Many pets will learn to ignore the tree, but if yours is not that pet, anchor it to a wall or other stable surface. It\u2019s also important to note that pesticides and chemicals can leach from the tree into the water, so don\u2019t let your stand become a makeshift pet bowl. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday plants. <\/b>Certain plants common to the season are toxic to pets, including holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias. Keep all plants out of pets\u2019 reach, and check the <\/span>ASPCA list of toxic plants<\/span><\/a> before you bring any plants into the house.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tinsel-less town. <\/b>Tinsel is one of the most dangerous holiday decorations out there. That\u2019s because if ingested, it can wind its way around delicate intestines and be impossible to remove without surgery. Cats are particularly drawn to this sparkly, light reflecting \u2018toy,\u2019 so beware.  We recommend not using it at all. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday glow. <\/b>Candles are a beautiful part of the season, but curious pets can end up with singed whiskers and tails. Keep candles well out of reach or consider LED lights instead. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wired up. <\/b>Speaking of lights, string lights on the floor can pose a chewing and electrocution hazard. Entanglement could also happen if pets try to play with strings of lights. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday Fare<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Big meals, treats galore, and gift-wrapped food items are all on the menu throughout the holiday season, so be sure to offer up a side-dish of constant vigilance anytime food is front and center or gifts are being brought into the home. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of our favorite foods can be toxic to pets, and as food gifts drift into our homes (often unbeknownst to us), danger can be afoot. Add in holiday buffets, empty plates and open garbage, and soon you\u2019ll have a recipe for disaster. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatty, salty and sugary foods can cause GI upset, foreign body obstruction, and even pancreatitis \u2013 a painful and potentially deadly condition. Be sure to keep these holiday foods and festivities on high for your pet\u2019s safety:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n