Holiday safety tips for pets

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season and for many, the hustle and bustle have already kicked into high gear. Pet parents can help keep their furry friends safe from holiday hazards with these tips:

1. Deck the halls with care

While tinsel can make a Christmas tree sparkle, leave it off if you have curious kittens around as it can cause obstructions within the digestive tract if ingested.

When it comes to plants, mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are considered to be toxic to pets. Consider using artificial plants instead.

Make sure to securely anchor your Christmas tree to help prevent it from tipping over should a cat land in it or pull on it.

2. Be fastidious about your feast

With tables piled high with sweets and savory dishes, pets may find it hard to resist. To that end, make sure to shoo your furry friends away from unattended plates of food. Additionally, be sure to secure the garbage can lid.

Many people are already aware chocolate can be detrimental for our four-legged friends. Other toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet include onions, garlic, and anything sweetened with the sugar-substitute xylitol, among others.

If adult beverages are part of your celebration, keep unattended alcoholic drinks out of your pet’s reach.

3. Give them some peace and quiet

With more people and activity, pets may want a quiet space in which to retreat. Make sure your furry friends have access to a separate room or crate away from the holiday hubbub where your guests won’t follow.

Ensure your pets are also up to date with their tags and other identifying features in case they escape when you have more people coming and going from your home.

All Creatures Great & Small : 1225 Warren Avenue : Downers Grove, IL 60515 : 630.852.0910 : https://www.downersgrovevet.com/

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