The holidays are a joyous time, filled with merriment and celebration with friends and family.
The last place you want to visit is the pet ER. Here are some tips on how to keep pets safe and happy this holiday season:
CATS AND CHRISTMAS TREES
If you have a cat, having a real tree may not be the best choice. There, I said it.
Cats love trees. Cats love to climb trees. Cats love to knock trees over.
If you have an artificial tree, your cat may still be curious, but will most likely not try to claw his way to the top.
JUST SAY NO TO TINSEL
Tinsel can be very dangerous to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can wreak havoc. Depending on how much is eaten, tinsel can cause severe, painful (and expensive) problems like an intestinal blockage. Ingesting a small amount may only lead to a doody train, but who the heck wants to clean that up?
SECURE WIRES
Wires from decorative lights can be irresistible to a curious cat or dog. If the wires cannot be hidden, there is a trick to discourage chewing – add a pinch of cayenne pepper along the wires (use some oil to help it stick). One taste is all it takes to stop the gnawing.
MENORAHS/CANDLES
You light the candles. Out of the corner of your eye, you see your cat crouched down, eyes dilated, tushy wiggling. This will not end well.
If pyrotechnics is not what you had in mind as an accompaniment to your latkes, keep your kitty away from the mesmerizing flames. Either place your menorah in a spot where kitty can’t get to it or consider opting for an electric menorah.
FOODS TO AVOID
There are several well-known toxic foods for cats and dogs, including:
- chocolate
- onions
- raisins
- grapes
- alcohol
- also be aware that many commercial baked goods contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs
- if your feast includes turkey, please do not share the skin with your pets – this fatty food can cause pancreatitis in some animals
KNOW WHICH PLANTS/FLOWERS ARE TOXIC
This is important for giving as well as receiving. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias generally are not toxic, however, holly and mistletoe can be.
The ASPCA offers comprehensive lists of toxic and non-toxic plants.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, please call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 1.888.426.4435.
CALM, BALANCE AND EASE
Having a party? While some pets love to be part of the shindig, others can become quite stressed and anxious with the addition of visitors, a change of décor (like moving furniture around, the addition of a Christmas Tree, etc.), strange smells and more. They can feel like they’ve lost their territory.
A great way to help them feel calm is to provide a special place for them to relax. A secluded room complete with their favorite bed, toys, food and water (include a litter box for kitty). Turn on a television or radio to act as white noise.
We also suggest offering them Treatibles chews or oils to help them relax.
We wish you and your fur babies a safe, happy, fun, drama-free holiday season!
