The holiday season is here and with many celebrations in tow, nothing can ruin good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. Be sure to keep your pet safe from harm during the fun and festivities. These tips can help keep your holiday season jolly for your pet and you.
Food- Keep people food away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, buy treats made specifically for said animal. Rich foods can upset a cats digestive system, which could produce unpleasant effects. Also cats should never be given any type of bone, as they can splinter and cause internal injuries to the cat.
Decorating- Greenery, lights, and Christmas trees can make the holidays festive, but they also pose risky temptations for cats. Make sure your Christmas tree is securely anchored as they can tip over if pets climb on them or try to play with the lights and ornaments. Tinsel and other holiday decorations if consumed can cause intestinal blockages, sometimes requiring surgery. Breakable ornaments or decorations can cause injuries. Candles are attractive to pets as well as people, never leave candles unattended as pets may burn themselves or knock candles over resulting in fire.
Holiday Guests- Just like people, some pets are introverts and some are extroverts! Give your pet their own quiet space to retreat to. Shy animals might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the party. With guests entering and exiting, it can be easier for pets to escape out the door. Always ensure your pet has a personalized ID tag with your name and phone number as well as an up to date microchip. Inform your guests ahead of time that you have pets due to guests with allergies or compromised immune systems.
Festive but HAZARDOUS plants- Poinsettias, mistletoe, pine tree needles, amaryllis lilies, red azaleas and paper-whites can cause serious injury and illness to your cat. These plants should be put somewhere where your cat wont be tempted to chew on them. If you are unsure if a plant is dangerous, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s animal poison control center (888-426-4435) for more information.
New Years Noise- As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodges in a cats intestines, if ingested, may need surgery. noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof room as midnight approaches.
Important phone numbers- Make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before there’s an emergency. Always keep these numbers posted in an easy-to-find location in case of emergencies.
Your veterinarians clinic phone number
24/7 emergency veterinary clinic (if different)
ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435
Wrapping Dangers- Brightly colored bows and ribbons are a fun and enjoyable part of the festive season, but ribbons can be extremely dangerous if swallowed by your pet. Make sure to keep all ribbon up and away when done wrapping.
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