6 Tips to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays
December 1st, 2014 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic
We want to help you keep your holidays full of joy and good cheer!
That’s why our Castle Rock veterinary clinic has put together this article on common holiday hazards for your cat or dog — from decorations, to the dinner table.
With a little preparation, you can keep your pet safe and healthy during the holidays.
#1: Avoid Holly, Mistletoe, Lilies and Poinsetta (Cats and Dogs)
Before Christmas, poinsettas always seem to get a lot of attention as being toxic for cats and dogs.
What’s interesting, though, is that poinsettas are actually pretty mild hazards compared to mistletoe, holly and lilies.
If your dog or cat eats holly, for example, it can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, as well as depression.
It doesn’t take much to make a cat or small dog very sick, so avoid bringing these plants into your home, if possible.
If you receive holiday bouquets, check them for these plants before you display them.
That way, your curious kitty won’t find any problematic plants first!
If you believe your pet may have ingested a holiday plant…
Please tell us when you come into our veterinary clinic.
We understand that these things happen. It’s much better if you can share this information upfront.
It can save your pet (and your wallet) from a lot of tests.
If you have holiday plants in your house and you’re wondering if they may be toxic for your cat or dog, here’s a good reference list of potentially poisonous plants for pets from ASCPA.
#2: Skip the Tinsel and Artificial Garland (Cats and Some Dogs)
Ah, these decorations are so shiny, glittery and pretty… and such a big temptation for cats and some dogs.
Tinsel has a tendency to sparkle when lights or sunbeams hit it.
Even if you cat has left tinsel or artificial garland alone in the past, it can still attract your feline friend this year.
If your cat chews on tinsel or garland and swallows it, it can get stuck in his or her gastrointestinal tract or stomach.
And unfortunately, that can lead to surgery or more serious outcomes.
If you have a kitty, deck the halls with other forms of decoration this year, and skip the tinsel and artificial garland.
#3: Keep Your Dog Out of Meats, High Fat Foods and Turkey Bones (Dogs)
In the day or two following Thanksgiving and Christmas, our veterinarians tend to receive unexpected veterinary visits from sick dogs – particularly small dogs.
These dogs have eaten meat or other fatty foods, and they’ve irritated their pancreases.
If your dog has gotten into people food, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A lack of appetite, and/or
- Lethargy
Give us a call.
We may just need to give your dog fluids for a day… or it may be a much more serious and deadly issue that needs to get addressed right away.
On the topic of people food, keep your pets out of the turkey and chicken.
Turkey bones and chicken bones can get stuck and cause severe issues that may require surgery.
A little prevention goes a long way!
#4: Put the Chocolate Out of Reach (Dogs)
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your dog.
If you’re going to have chocolate in your home around the holidays – including chocolate cookies for Santa – here’s why to put that chocolate out of reach and keep dogs and chocolate apart.
#5: Plan Ahead for Boarding Kennels (Dogs and Cats)
If you’re like many Castle Rock families, you’re heading out of town for the holidays.
If you’re going to board your dog or cat while you’re away, it’s important to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
Coming into contact with other animals can expose your pet to potential illnesses.
For example, if your dog’s Bordetella (“kennel cough”) vaccination has lapsed, be sure to visit our Castle Rock veterinarians at least five days before boarding begins.
The Bordetella shot takes five days to go into effect.
The good news is that kennel cough typically isn’t life threatening.
However, it can lead to serious bronchial pneumonia.
As you get ready to travel, check out our article on how to prepare for a vacation without your pet for more ideas to keep your pets comfortable.
#6: Consider Dog Booties for Sidewalk Ice (Dogs)
The beauty of living in Castle Rock is that it could be in the 40s and 50s around the holidays… or it could be well below zero.
Ah, the joys of Colorado!
When we go through cold and wet spells, our veterinarians see a lot of dogs come in with ice lacerations.
These dogs cut their paws while they were out for a walk.
If your dog has cut his or her paw, you’ll likely notice the paw bleeding profusely.
Dogs have a lot of arteries close to the surface of their skin. It doesn’t take much to create a bleeding cut.
You may want to look into buying booties that can protect their feet.
More tips to keep your pet safe
- Check out this article from ASPCA for more holiday safety tips for pets
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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on how to keep pets safe during the holidays. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)
© 2014, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic, All Rights Reserved