Holidays

• Some flowers that are handed out on Valentines Day could be potentially dangerous to your pets. Lilies are potentially fatal to cats.
• All chocolate should stay away for your pets. It has been known to be fatal to animals, especially dark chocolate. Other foods such as onions, grapes, and raisins are also poisonous to your pet.
• Any flowers received that have thorns should be kept in a place that your pet cannot get to. Any thorns that are ingested could get stuck in the stomach or intestines and will require surgery to remove it.
• Be mindful of all burning candles in the home. Pets can knock them over and get burned or even start a fire.
• Keep all wrappings and package decorations away from pets. As soon as it is unwrapped, throw it out or put it some place where your pets cannot get to it. These may seem like fun for your pet but they can get stuck in the throat or intestines if ingested.
• Keep alcohol away from your pets. They can be poisonous and potentially lethal. Other foods such as onions, grapes, and raisins are also poisonous to your pet.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent that you use on yourself is not safe for your pet. If you feel that your pet needs some repellent on those relentless bugs or might need some sunscreen on their noses, be sure you get products that are specifically made for pets.
• Lighter fluid and matches should stay out of reach of your pets. Ingesting either of these is poison toward your pet and could result in difficulty breathing, and even kidney disease.
• Though playing with glow jewelry may be fun for you and the kids never allow your pets to wear or play with it. The luminescent substance inside could result in gastrointestinal irritation and blockage if ingested.
• Keep oil products that repel bugs out of reach of your pet.
• Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t fall over. You may even want to put some kind of barrier around the tree when you are not able to watch your pet around it. Tree water, soil, and even the pine needles can be dangerous if ingested.
• There are many dangers for a pet that might be around a tree. Ornaments, tinsel, icicle decorations, ribbon, angel hair (spun glass), snow globes (some contain antifreeze), electric lights and cords, and metal ornament hooks can all be chewed, broken and even ingested which can cause serious problems for your pet. Be sure to make these items as inaccessible as you can. Constantly watch your pet around these and when you can’t, place them in a crate or another room so there are no accidents.
• Make sure that your pet does not try to steal food from the table while the family is feasting. If they refuse to stay away from the food when told to do so then place them in a crate or another room until the food has been put away. Also be sure that the entire family, including the children, knows NOT to feed the pets any food they should not get. Some food hazards that could be dangerous for your pet are: poultry bones (they splinter easily and become logged in the intestines); meats with drippings, seasonings, turkey and ham will upset digestive systems; chocolate is toxic and dark chocolate is more likely to cause death in your pet as there are ingredients that are lethal to them; candy and candy wrappers; alcoholic beverages.
• Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and berries, ivy, balsam, juniper, cedar, pine, fir, and hibiscus are all poisonous to your pet. Although they look great for decorating, all it takes is your pet getting a hold of one item and you’re rushing them off to the vet.
• Keep the fireplace barricaded during the colder days. It’s great to be able to enjoy a warm fire in the fireplace but be sure your pet does not come anywhere around it as they may get burned by flying sparks and ashes.
• Be sure that you and your entire family have their medications put away some place safe. Any medications that are left out are fair game as food for your pet.
• In case your pet becomes too overwhelmed by the crowd and noise be sure to have a quiet area set aside just for them so they can get away from it all.
• Confetti thrown on New Years can be ingested by your pet and noisy poppers can terrify pets causing possible ear damage.
• Turkey, sage, bread dough, cake, and other baking ingredients should not be given to your pet for any reason. Accidental ingestion is okay as long as they don’t swallow a large amount. Constantly keep a watchful eye on your pet and when you know you can’t, place them in a crate or another room.