How to keep your pets healthy for the holidays
From the famous red-nosed reindeer to the Grinch’s beloved Max, animals are part of the holiday season. And if you’re a pet owner, they probably play a key role — whether that’s taking part in family celebrations or tearing down your carefully placed holiday décor. What you might not realize is that the coming months can be stressful — and even unhealthy — for your pets. That’s why it’s important to make sure your little fur balls are safe and as healthy as possible throughout the upcoming holiday season. Paws (ahem, pause) to take note of these tips.
Keep the holiday goodies for yourself
We all know how plentiful delicacies are around the holiday season. From stuffed turkeys to chocolate fudge to candy cane ornaments, your home is likely chock-full of festive goodies this time of year. Keep in mind that many of our favorite human foods are actually toxic to animals.
For example, chocolate and cocoa can cause gastroenteritis, arrhythmias and seizures, according to Dr. Kenton Rexford of the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center.
Caffeine can also cause the same symptoms, while xylitol — an alternative sweetener found in some gum and candy — can cause liver failure in dogs. Normally a sweet treat for people, raisins are known to cause kidney failure so keep those out of reach. Raw bread dough, alcohol, onions, garlic and excessive salt should be kept away from Fido too, as these can be toxic. And don’t consider offering your pet a treat of your Thanksgiving scraps. Turkey and ham bones can cause gastroenteritis and constipation and could require surgery.
Decorate wisely
The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without tinsel, festive ribbons and the season’s signature poinsettia. But all of these pose threats to your animals — particularly felines.
“Tinsel is very appealing to pets, especially cats,” Rexford explained. “But if ingested, it can cause obstructions and could require surgery.”
Additionally, English holly, Christmas cacti and American mistletoe can cause gastritis, while English mistletoe can be toxic to animals. Keep your beautiful poinsettia out of reach, as this too can be toxic to your pet.
Educate your holiday guests
‘Tis the season for a house filled with family and friends. But if you’re hosting, make sure your guests know how to keep your animals safe too.
“Keep in mind that your guests may let your pet outside accidentally, or may feed your pet people food,” Rexford said. Guests might even be tempted to offer your pet alcohol — particularly if they’ve been consuming it themselves. Keep a diligent eye on your pets and let your guests know the ground rules in advance. An emergency trip to the vet could really ruin your holiday party.
“When you have guests over, the safest thing is just to keep (pets) separate from your guests,” Rexford said.
Play it safe
Whatever the species, pets can be mischievous. That’s why it’s best to play it safe during the holidays — and all year-round.
“Keep everything out of the reach of your pets — and, seriously, I mean everything,” Rexford advised. Secure garbage behind a pet-proof door, and keep in mind that human food kept on the counter or on top of the stove might not be out of reach for some pets. Keep your purse (and those of your guests) out of reach, as they could contain candy, gum and other enticing items. Guests with medications should keep them stowed somewhere pet-proof (not on the nightstand or in an accessible suitcase).
Last, don’t be too hard on Spot this time of year.
“The problem isn’t the pets,” Rexford said. “The problem is usually the people.”
For those times when the holidays have you distracted and frazzled, leaving you susceptible to providing a house full of temptation for your pets, know that you have somewhere to bring them when they take the bait. Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center’s new convenient location (1535 Washington Rd, Washington, PA, near the Meadows Racetrack & Casino and Planet Fitness) and emergency hours during evenings and weekends make it easy for you to be the best pet parent you can be.
This article is sponsored by Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center.
A journalism graduate from Brigham Young University, Kristen Price has experience writing in a variety of fields, including art and culture, health and fitness and financial and real estate services. Kristen has written for USA Today, SFGate and the Knot.