The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but for our pets, they can also bring hidden dangers. At West Ridge Animal Health Center, we want to ensure your furry family members enjoy the festivities safely. Here’s a guide to common holiday hazards for pets and tips to keep them happy and healthy this season.

Holiday Foods: Tempting but Dangerous

The smells of holiday meals can be irresistible to pets, but many common holiday treats can pose serious risks:

  • Chocolate and Candy: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Sugar-free candies and gum often contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause severe low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
  • Cooked Bones: Turkey and ham bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.
  • Rich or Fatty Foods: Foods like gravy, butter, or anything fried can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Onions, Garlic, and Raisins: These ingredients, often found in stuffing or casseroles, can be toxic to pets.

How to Protect Your Pets:

  • Keep food out of reach and remind guests not to feed your pets table scraps.
  • Provide pet-safe treats so they don’t feel left out.

Decorations: Pretty but Perilous

Holiday decorations can catch your pet’s attention, sometimes with unfortunate results.

  • Tinsel and Ribbons: Cats, in particular, love to play with shiny strings. If ingested, these items can cause dangerous intestinal blockages.
  • Ornaments: Fragile glass ornaments can shatter, posing a risk of cuts or ingestion of sharp pieces.
  • Holiday Plants: Plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to pets if eaten. Even non-toxic plants, like pine needles, can cause irritation.
  • Candles: Curious tails or paws can knock over candles, leading to burns or fire hazards

How to Protect Your Pets:

  • Secure your Christmas tree to prevent tipping and avoid using tinsel.
  • Keep fragile ornaments high and use pet-safe decorations at the bottom of the tree.
  • Place candles out of reach and never leave them unattended.

Holiday Stress: Keeping Your Pet Calm

With visitors, loud music, and new routines, the holidays can be overwhelming for pets

  • Fear of Strangers: Some pets may feel anxious around unfamiliar guests.
  • Changes in Routine: Meal times, walks, and bedtime may be disrupted, adding to their stress.

How to Protect Your Pets:

  • Provide a quiet, safe space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
  • Stick to their regular routine as much as possible.
  • Consider using calming aids, such as pheromone sprays or treats designed to reduce anxiety.
  • We have many prescribed medications here for your pets if needed. Never hesitate to reach out to us if you need more help with your pets at home over the holidays

Gift Giving: Choose Wisely

Even gifts can pose risks to pets if not chosen carefully.

  • Toys with Small Parts: These can be choking hazards if chewed or swallowed.
  • Rawhide Treats: While a popular gift, rawhides can cause choking or digestive blockages if not chewed properly.
  • Antlers/ Pig Hooves/ Dental Chews: While these sorts of dog chews are designed to keep teeth clean, they are often too hard and they will crack teeth and cause extensive dental problems and oral pain.

How to Protect Your Pets:

  • Opt for pet-safe toys and treats appropriate for their size and chewing habits.
  • Supervise your pet when they’re enjoying new toys or treats.
  • Make sure any treat or toy is soft enough that you can dent it with your thumbnail. If you can’t then it’s too hard for your pet to chew on.

Know When to Call the Vet

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Watch for these signs of trouble:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or difficulty breathing
  • Pawing at the mouth or choking
  • Sudden behavioral changes
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful or is showing signs of distress, contact us at West Ridge Animal Health Center immediately.

A Safe and Joyful Holiday for All

By being aware of holiday hazards and taking steps to prevent them, you can ensure your pets stay safe while enjoying the season with your family. If you have any questions or concerns, our team at West Ridge Animal Health Center is here to help.

Happy Holidays from all of us to you and your pets!