Keep your pets safe over the holidays
We all love having our pets with us during the holiday season, and many times they can provide quite a bit of entertainment. However, this season can pose some risks to pet health or safety. The Burlingame-Hillsborough publication Patch offers suggestions to protect your pet’s health.
Keep food and drinks where your pet can’t get to them.
Some human foods known to be harmful to pets include grapes, chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol. The xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute and is an ingredient in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, mints and other candies. Those are not the only foods that may cause illness in your pet though. Bones, as well as spicy and fatty treats, can sicken your pet. Additionally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also cautions pet owners to keep alcoholic beverages far away from their pets. When an animal takes in any alcohol, they can become weak, sick, or even go into a coma. The coma could result in respiratory failure leading to a pet’s death. You don’t want such a sad event to darken your holiday.
Mind your Christmas decorations.
Here are some traditional holiday plants that could cause major cardiovascular distress in your pet:
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettias
- Holly
With that in mind, keep your mistletoe hanging overhead so you can kiss someone under it. Holly and poinsettias should grace your home where you know your pets can’t reach them.
If you have a cat, leave the tinsel off your Christmas tree. Cats are attracted to the glittery glow of tinsel, but if they ingest it, their digestive tract could become obstructed. The result could be severe vomiting, dehydration and lead to the need for emergency surgery.
Make sure to keep all batteries, lights and wires far from your pet’s paws. You also need to make sure that your tree is anchored securely so that it doesn’t fall and injure your pet. If you’re not confident as to whether your tree is sufficiently anchored, consult a handyman to check and adjust it.
