For a pet-safe holiday season, please consider your pet’s safety when decorating; some holiday decorations can be dangerous to your pet. Here are a few tips on keeping your pet holiday-safe:
Secure your Christmas tree! Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it does not tip and fall (and so your cat cannot cause it to tip and fall!), causing possible injury to a family member or your pet.
Keep your pet’s water bowl full during the holidays. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he drink from the stand.
Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Decorative plants can be a source of danger for your pet. Holly can cause vomiting if ingested. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Lilies can be deadly to cats. Other holiday plants can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
Avoid Ribbons and Tinsel: Ribbons and tinsel are especially attractive and hazardous to all pets but especially cats. Kitties love to play with this sparkly “toy”, but if they swallow it, that can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery.
Flamed Candles: Please do not leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Electric lights and cords: Along with the fact that these lights are impossible to untangle year after year, they can also be a problem for pets. Stringed lights, as well as cords, can cause strangulation or electric shock if your pet chews on them. Please keep an eye on electrical cords and tree lights to be sure puppies and kittens do not chew on them.
Anxious Pets: During family gatherings, it might be best to keep pets confined if they are overly anxious. Please also monitor people going in and out of the front door. Pets might take advantage and try to escape.
All of us at Lake Worth Animal Hospital wish you and your family best wishes for a wonderful and pet-safe holiday season. If you have any questions about holiday decorations and your pet, give us a call.
