Christmas time is full of joy, cheer, and celebration. It is a season that can often melt a frosty heart. Nothing can turn even the merriest of people into the Grinch quite like when you have an unexpected medical emergency. Grab your hot chocolate, set the fire, and bring your furry pets in close for snuggles as you read through some ways to keep the holiday season safe for your pets and your pocketbook.
Food Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
Small portions of PET SAFE foods are okay to give.
- Turkey or chicken that is unseasoned with no skin or bones. Lean white meat can
be given safely - Sweet potatoes
- Apples (no core or seeds)
- Pure pumpkin – not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling
- Carrots
- Green beans (in water and not in salt or oils)
Don’ts
- Ham or ham bones or skin
- Turkey or turkey bones or skin. Cooked bones can splinter and cause GI upset
and inflammation or worse, punctures in the intestines that can be fatal - Stuffing or casseroles
- Yeast doughs – can cause painful gas and serious bloating
- Any items containing grapes or raisins
- Meals made with onion or garlic
- Spices, including but not limited to: nutmeg, pumpkin spice, cinnamon
Decorating Safety Tips
- Christmas Trees are the centerpiece of Christmas decorations. Ensure they are secured to prevent tipping. Consider anchoring them to the ceiling, wall, or even a door frame.
- Presents adorned with sparkly and shiny wrapping paper may entice some pets to open them up and take a peek. If your critters are curious, we recommend keeping presents put away until they’re ready to be opened.
- Tinsel is a great way to brighten up your home. It also closely resembles some of your cats most favorite toys. The long, flowy nature of tinsel is captivating for many of our feline friends. Keep an eye out if you plan to use this as decoration and remove it immediately if your pet does try to turn it into a treat.
- Ornaments dangling from the tree branches can look like a toy for both your cats and dogs. Try to only hang them from higher up branches to prevent animals from getting distracted by them. They can potentially lead to issues such as foreign bodies if ingested, as well as lacerations if they were to shatter on or near your pet.
- Christmas lights twinkle and light up your tree. Similar to ornaments, our animals are at risk as they can cause blockage or toxicity. Also remember that where there are lights, there are power cords that cause risk of electrocution. Cords should be covered with a protective case and kept out of reach and sight whenever possible.
- Holiday plants can cause issues for pets. Holly, mistletoe, pine and cedar can all require a trip to the emergency hospital if ingested by your pets.
