5 ways to keep your pets safe during the holidays

Who doesn't marvel at the splendour of a house lit up for the holidays? It's hard to be unmoved in front of a gigantic Christmas tree or a magnificent village display. Nevertheless, the holidays bring a number of risks when it comes to pets, and you should be extra cautious during this time of year.

Here are a few safety rules to follow to make sure you and your pet have a great holiday season!

1. Decorations

Your miniature village is beautifully decorated, but if your dog gets hold of the little characters and swallows them, you'll be very sorry. With a pet in the house, you need to select Christmas decorations carefully. Avoid placing any decorations at floor level or anywhere that can be easily reached by your pet.

Ideally, you should do what you can to prevent access to the tree as well as to any decorations. Doing so will also save you a lot of grief. Who hasn’t heard a story about a cat climbing up the Christmas tree and knocking over a few decorations, or even the entire tree? Also, glass bulbs should be avoided. All that it takes is for one of them to fall off and shatter on the floor and your pet can be severely injured. Furthermore, make sure no extension cords are visible. Kittens love to chew on things they are curious about. And lastly, though tinsel can be dazzling to look at, it is equally intriguing for our four-legged friends.

2. Visitors

Your dog or cat is at home. They are used to their surroundings and sometimes take a dim view when strangers show up. When you're having a party, let them meet guests at their own pace and make sure they have access to a quiet place where they'll feel safe.

As for your dog, they may feel intimidated and bark more than they usually do. Take the time to comfort them — they’ll be back to their normal self in no time! And don’t forget that your cat’s litter box must be placed in a quiet area. They enjoy their privacy!

Also read: How to keep your pets happy when company’s coming?

3. Food

All too often we forget that certain foods are harmful to animals. Both we and our visitors sometimes want to spoil our pets by giving them table scraps. Certain foods must be completely banned from your pet's diet. These include chocolate, grapes and onions. All forms of sugary treats should also be avoided.

Never give your pet a bone from a turkey or chicken. These bones have a tendency to break up, leaving long sharp pieces which can damage your pet’s digestive system. Instead, give your dog a bone to chew on to keep him busy during mealtime, or give your cat their usual treats. They'll enjoy it and it'll be risk-free for them.

4. Gifts

Placed under the tree, they will delight young and old alike. But they will also pique the interest of pets, who can easily chew on their ribbons and paper. To avoid that, put your presents high up or take them out at the last minute and under close supervision. There also are products that repel animals, such as indoor repellent lotion for cats and dogs, which are effective and harmless. This way, both your gifts and your pet will stay safe!

5. Christmas plants

The rule is plain and simple: do not bring any Christmas plants into your home. While it's true that dogs and cats have a different tolerance to plants, these are generally toxic. Don’t take the risk of bringing a poinsettia into your home just because it’s pretty, they are dangerous for your pet. Make sure you know which plants are toxic for your pet and take the necessary precautions.

When the holidays are over

Clean-up time is here! If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure no pine needles are left behind: they can easily be swallowed by your pet, leading potentially to a number of issues. In case of emergency, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Holidays are an amazing time of year, full of cheer and joy. Following these simple steps will help ensure a peaceful holiday season for yourself, your loved ones, and your pets!

Spoil your pet for Christmas: