We know those puppy dog eyes are convincing, but the tastiest parts about coming together for the holidays could be the most harmful to your four-legged family members! Emancipet’s veterinarians have put together some tips for holiday safety surrounding food, decorations, and cooler weather.
Share your heart this season, not your plate. Follow these tips to celebrate safely with your pets:
• Certain foods can be poisonous to pets. It’s best to stick with their regular diet.
• Skip the bones & corn cobs. If you want to spoil your pets, give them extra of the dog/cat treats they already love.
• Clear the trash as you go. When prepping a holiday meal, clear the table/counters as you go and take the trash out pronto!
• Don’t forget them outside. Remember, if it is cold to you, it’s cold to them!
• Fatty/Salty foods like ham can upset their stomach. If you want to share, we recommend sharing lean, unseasoned meat such as a small piece of turkey breast with no gravy or skin on it.
• Keep dangerous and tempting items out of reach. Keep decorations, tablecloths, wires, batteries, small toys, and food-filled presents out of your pets’ reach to keep them safe.
• Be cautious with candles and fireplaces. To keep pets safe around open flames, use flameless candles or secure barriers, and never leave them unattended near lit candles or fireplaces.
• Holiday plants can be poisonous to pets. Some festive plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives.
• Give them a quiet space. When guests make things overwhelming, give pets a quiet, safe space to retreat to, and consider using white noise to help reduce their stress.
The safest way to celebrate and show your pets just how much you love them is extra cuddles, pet-safe treats, and continued care to keep them happy and healthy!
Happy Holidays from Emancipet.
