A Guide for Pet Lovers

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food. But for pet owners, it also means extra precautions are needed to keep our furry friends safe. With the temptations of rich foods, busy festivities, and new surroundings, pets can easily find themselves in risky situations. Here’s how you can ensure your pets have a safe, stress-free Christmas.

1. Beware of Holiday Foods

Christmas dinner is often full of treats that are tempting for both humans and pets, but not all festive foods are safe for animals. Many holiday favorites can be toxic or harmful to pets. Here’s what to avoid:

• Chocolate: A holiday classic, but one that is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous, as it contains higher levels of theobromine.
• Grapes and Raisins: While a healthy snack for humans, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities. It’s best to keep these out of reach.
• Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: These common ingredients in holiday dishes can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage to red blood cells in dogs and cats. Avoid adding these to any food you share with your pets.
• Xylitol: This sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Ensure that any food containing xylitol is completely out of your pet’s reach.
• Alcohol: Keep your festive drinks away from pets. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to serious health issues, including lethargy, vomiting, and respiratory problems.
• Cooked Bones: While it’s tempting to give pets leftover turkey or ham bones, avoid cooking bones and giving them to your pets. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious injury to your pet’s digestive tract.

2. Safe Foods for Pets This Christmas

While many holiday foods are off-limits, there are some treats you can safely share with your pets—just in moderation. Here are a few Christmas-friendly foods for pets:

• Plain Turkey (without seasoning): A small piece of cooked, unseasoned turkey is a safe treat for dogs and cats. Just make sure there are no bones or skin.
• Carrots: Dogs love crunchy treats like carrots, and they are a healthy, low-calorie option.
• Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin (without added sugar or spices) is great for your pet’s digestion. It’s especially good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Sweet Potatoes: A small amount of cooked, plain sweet potato can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your pets.
• Apples (without seeds): Apples are a refreshing and safe snack for dogs, just be sure to remove the seeds as they contain cyanide.
• Rice and Plain Chicken: This simple, bland meal is a great option for pets who have sensitive stomachs during the holiday season.

3. Watch Out for Decorations and Plants

Decorations can be a huge temptation for pets. From shiny ornaments to twinkling lights, there are plenty of hazards to be aware of:

• Christmas Trees: Keep your tree secure and avoid using edible ornaments, which could tempt pets to chew on them. Be cautious with tree water, as it can contain bacteria and chemicals that can make pets sick.
• Tinsel and Ribbons: These shiny strands are irresistible to cats and dogs but can cause serious digestive issues if ingested. Stick to safe, non-toxic decorations.
• Holiday Plants: While poinsettias are iconic Christmas plants, they can cause mild toxicity in pets if ingested. Mistletoe and holly are even more dangerous, causing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and heart issues. If you have these plants in your home, keep them well out of your pets’ reach.

4. Create a Calm Environment

The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming for pets. The constant parade of visitors, loud noises, and changes in routine may cause stress or anxiety in your pets. To help them stay calm:

• Create a Quiet Space: Set up a comfortable, quiet space for your pets to retreat to when they need a break from the noise. This can be a cozy bed in a low-traffic area.
• Keep an Eye on Visitors: Not all pets are comfortable with strangers. Ensure that your guests are aware of your pet’s boundaries, and don’t force interaction if your pet seems anxious or fearful.
• Calming Products: Consider using calming collars, pheromone sprays, or pet-friendly music to help reduce stress during the holiday season.

5. Supervise Gift-Giving

Pets are often curious about the presents under the tree, but some holiday gifts—especially those with small parts—can pose a choking hazard. Be mindful of toys with small parts, wrapping paper, or plastic that your pet could chew on. You may also want to ensure any new pet toys are safe and appropriate for their size and play style.

6. Routine and Exercise

While it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday festivities, don’t forget about your pet’s regular routine. Ensure they still get their daily walks, playtime, and feeding schedule. Regular exercise is important for keeping them healthy and reducing any stress during the busy season.

Conclusion

By being mindful of these holiday dangers and taking steps to ensure your pet’s safety, you can help them enjoy a Christmas that’s just as fun and festive as yours. With a little care and attention, your pets can stay safe and healthy, leaving you with nothing to worry about but enjoying the season together. Happy holidays from all of us and our furry friends!