Holiday Hazards for your Pet
As we enter the season of decking the halls and throwing holiday parties, we can sometimes forget to watch out for what our pets are getting into! Here are some tips for how to keep your pet safe from these holiday hazards!
Holiday Foods that are Hazardous for your Pet
Chocolate
It’s not the holidays if there isn’t something chocolaty around to eat! Make sure all of your chocolaty holiday treats are out of your pets reach. “Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause a variety of adverse reactions including seizures, vomiting and even death.”(1)
Candy Canes & Candy
If your pet gets ahold of and candies, ingesting the sugar will likely upset their stomach and cause pain. Additionally, if wrappers are eaten it could risk tearing their esophagus or intestines, yikes!
Alcoholic Drinks
While enjoying all of the holiday party’s, be aware of leaving your unattended drinks on low surfaces where curious cats and pups may want to sneak a taste. Ingesting alcohol can cause a series of problems for your pet such as vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. (3)
Sage
As many of us are eager to show off our cooking skills to our friends and family around the holidays, be cautious when using sage as an ingredient. Cats are especially sensitive to this herb, it can cause stomach upset and central nervous system depression.
Coffee and Caffeine
With the busiest time of the year among us, coffee and caffeine is a must! However, it is not a must for our furry friends. Just like chocolate, sodas, coffee and caffeinated products contain methylxanthines which are harmful to cats and dogs. (1)
Raw Dough and Batter
Holiday cakes and cookies are everywhere! When baking, be sure your pet does not get a taste of the batter or raw dough. “Raw eggs can cause salmonella infection in your pet, just as it can for anyone in your family.”(3)
Decorating Safety Tips
Christmas Tree
We all know how our cats (and even curious pups) can get excited about having a tree indoors! Be sure to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. Additionally, If you have a live tree be sure the tree water is covered. “Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea.” (2)
Holiday Glow
Strings of lights and scented candles are around every corner during the Holidays. Try and keep electrical wires out of reach from your animals to keep them safe from electric shock or burns. Additionally, be sure to blow out any candles when leaving the room to avoid the risk of your pet knocking them over and starting a fire-oh no!! (2) Do not allow your pets (or small children) within three or four feet of your fireplace, especially when the screen is removed or glass doors are open. (4)
Mistletoe & Holly
Did you know “Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems” ? (2) If you’re looking to decorate with certain plants, opt for the just-as-jolly artificial plant decorations.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are often set on the floor and along doorways during the holidays as a cheery red flower for decor. Along with mistletoe and holly, if your pet ingests a bite of this flower it will likely lead to stomach pain and discomfort, including vomiting. (3)
If your pet gets anxious or a little too exited when house guests arrive for those holiday gatherings, try giving them a dose of or LICKS Dog Zen, Cat Zen, or small breed dog Littles Zen formulas before the guests arrive! Or Zen formula is fast acting and takes only 10-15 minutes to take effect!
