Holiday food, decorations, parties and travel all pose potential threats to pets.
But with a little planning, you can celebrate and take precautions to keep dogs and cats safe.
Holiday food
Many favorite holiday treats can be dangerous to pets. The list is long, and includes:
- Alcohol can cause respiratory failure, central nervous system depression, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death
- Chocolate, coffee and caffeine can cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and death
- Onions, garlic and chives can cause red blood cell damage
- Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure and death
- Sweets and baked goods, especially if made with the artificial sweetener xylitol, can cause liver failure and death
- Nuts (macadamias, almonds, pecans and walnuts) as well as fatty meats, gravy and turkey skin can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially deadly pancreatitis
- Yeast dough can cause potentially deadly stomach bloat
Your best bet: Keep all of them out of reach from curious cats and dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Also caution friends and family, since guests might not realize how dangerous their innocent treat can be.
Worried pets might have ingested something they shouldn’t? Keep your veterinarian’s phone number on your speed dial. In an emergency, it pays to know the location and hours of the closest emergency animal clinic. The ASPCA also provides a poison control hotline at 888-426-4435; download the organization’s new mobile app for instant access to potentially life-saving information.
Decorations
The most dangerous decoration is the biggest: your Christmas tree. Securely anchor your tree to ensure it won’t tip and fall, especially if you’ve got a cat who sees it as a new climbing challenge. Cover water containers for live trees to prevent pets from drinking. Water can contain fertilizer or other residue from any chemicals that trees were treated with; additives put in the water to help keep the tree fresh also can be harmful. Ornaments and electric light cords can prove irresistible to puppies who love to chew. Cats and kittens are captivated by tinsel, which they love to bat around and carry in their mouths. Unfortunately, swallowing even a small bit can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, the ASPCA warns.
Other dangerous plants include poinsettias, mistletoe and holly. And, it should go without saying, but don’t leave lighted candles unattended with pets around.
Parties
Even if your pets are friendly, consider putting them in a secure room during holiday festivities. This will reduce the risk they are fed something dangerous and prevent escape attempts as guests arrive or depart.
Travel
No room for your dog at grandma’s house? Consider whether pets will be happier at home with a pet sitter or at kennel where they can play with other dogs. To find a reliable pet sitter, visit petsitters.org. To find a boarding facility, start with recommendations from friends or your veterinarian. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or Colorado’s licensing board to see if the kennel you’re considering has any complaints on file.
Planning to hit the road with your pet? Get a health certificate from your veterinarian to show your pet is in good health. Don’t know where to stay? GoPetFriendly.com is a handy resource to find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions.
If you haven’t taken a road trip with your dog, consider taking a few shorter rides around town to make sure you don’t have a nervous traveler or one who suffers from motion sickness. To make your trip more pleasant, consider bringing your dog’s food and some water from home, as well as favorite toys or blankets. Take frequent breaks so your dog can stretch his legs and go potty.
