In our December Newsletter, we talked briefly about Pet Safety during the holidays. I wanted to drive deeper into all the things we should be aware of during the holiday season.
While the holidays are fun for us humans, they can present a lot of dangers to our furry family members. Don’t let your Holiday get interrupted by a trip to the emergency vet!
Here are a few Holidays safety tips to help you keep your fur family safe.
Pet-Proof The Christmas Tree
Pet parents should always observe dogs and cats around the tree at all times. If possible, set up your tree in a room that you can easily close off when you’re not home. Many pet parents also create a barrier using a plastic pen or baby gate so pets can’t access the tree.
Curious canines and felines will want to explore the odd tree that appeared in their living rooms. Dogs and cats are notorious for trying to jump onto — or even into — the tree, which could easily cause it to come crashing to the floor.
Make sure you anchor the tree securely to avoid a dangerous tree-tipping disaster. Check your tree stand daily to confirm that the eye bolts are still locking the tree in place.
For added security, anchor the tree to your ceiling with a ceiling hook and fishing line.
Beware Christmas Tree Water 
Pet parents who bring fresh trees inside for Christmas should make sure the water reservoir inside of the tree stand is not easily accessible to dogs and cats. As the tree drinks water, it can release sometimes-toxic sap into the stand that smells tasty to pets.
Block access to the tree stand by thoroughly covering it with aluminum foil and a well-wrapped tree skirt.
Be Careful With Christmas Lights 
All the lights and baubles you use to adorn your Christmas tree and your home sure are pretty, but they can pose a real threat to your pet. Veterinarians say pets can easily die from electrocution, internal injuries, or intestinal blockage after enjoying a decorative snack.
Be sure you fasten holiday lights to your tree and place cords out of reach of your curious pet’s mouth. Block access to any loose cords or wires.
Ornaments Can Be Deadly 
Those might look like tree ornaments to you, but to Fido and Fluffy, they are just potential toys in a festive display.
Chewing on ornaments can cause cuts in the mouth, throat, and digestive system, as well as other serious injuries.
Tree-trimmings like garland and tinsel, when eaten, can also result in gastrointestinal blockages that have the potential to harm or even kill your pet.
Pick Safe Christmas Plants
Popular decorative plants like holly, mistletoe, and the poinsettia can be poisonous if ingested.
The viscotoxins in mistletoe are nothing to kiss over; eating the leaves or berries of this common Christmas plant can cause stomach upset and a slowed heartbeat.
The poinsettia flower is typically only toxic when ingested in large quantities, so its reputation as the most dangerous Christmas plant is somewhat undeserved. That said, the milky white sap of the poinsettia tends to cause diarrhea, excessive drooling, and vomiting, which can endanger a pet’s health.
Christmas bouquets and floral arrangements that contain lilies are very hazardous to pets, especially cats. All it takes is a few bites of a lily plant to cause potentially fatal kidney failure in felines.
Cautious pet parents should probably steer clear of including these beautiful but dangerous plants in their Christmas décor.
Keep Gifts And Candy Out Of Reach
Make sure your stockings really are hung by the chimney with care this holiday season; children’s toys, gift wrap, and candy should be kept out of reach at all times.
While this seems overwhelming with all the hazards during the holiday it’s always better to be educated and safe for our furry family members. What steps are you taking to keep your pets safe this Holiday season?
During this holiday season, as we head out to parties, or away for a weekend and you need walks or pet sitting in Ajax, Whitby or Oshawa, The Move Your Doggie Team is happy to help.