Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season – Holiday Hazards to Watch Out For
Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season – Holiday Hazards to Watch Out For
The holiday season brings festive decorations, delicious foods, and joyous gatherings—but it can also introduce potential hazards for pets. Here’s a guide to keeping your furry friends safe and stress-free during the holidays!
🎄 Hazard #1: Holiday Plants
Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be toxic to pets if ingested. Even a small nibble on these plants can cause digestive upset, vomiting, or more severe reactions.
- Tip: Keep holiday plants out of reach, or opt for pet-safe alternatives
🍫 Hazard #2: Festive Foods and Treats
Many holiday foods are dangerous for pets, including chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute found in many sweets), raisins, grapes, and garlic. These can cause severe health issues like vomiting, tremors, and even organ failure.
- Tip: Keep holiday treats on high counters or store them in secure containers. Provide pet-safe treats to keep them happy and healthy.
🎁 Hazard #3: Ornaments and Decorations
Shiny ornaments, tinsel, and ribbons can look like tempting toys, but they pose a serious risk. If ingested, they can cause choking or intestinal blockages, leading to emergency situations.
- Tip: Hang ornaments higher on the tree, out of reach from pets, and avoid using tinsel altogether. Consider pet-friendly decorations like soft or fabric ornaments.
🕯️ Hazard #4: Candles and Lights
Lit candles and string lights add warmth to holiday decor but can also be dangerous for curious pets. A single knock can lead to a fire or burns, while chewing on electrical cords can cause electrical shocks or burns.
- Tip: Keep candles on high surfaces, or use battery-operated LED candles. Tuck cords away or cover them with protective casing to prevent chewing.
🎁 Hazard #5: Gift Wrap and Small Toys
Small parts, bows, and ribbons can be enticing for pets, especially cats who love batting at string-like objects. Ingesting these items can cause choking or obstructions.
- Tip: Clean up wrapping supplies after gifts are opened, and store small toys in places pets can’t access.
🍷 Hazard #6: Alcohol and Other Holiday Beverages
Holiday parties often bring out festive drinks, but alcohol is extremely toxic to pets. Even a small amount can cause symptoms like vomiting, disorientation, and in severe cases, respiratory distress.
- Tip: Ensure glasses are out of reach and unattended drinks are safely away from pets.
🧁 Hazard #7: Table Scraps and Bones
The smell of holiday roasts and sweets can be irresistible to pets, but sharing table scraps, especially fatty or spiced foods, can lead to pancreatitis or gastrointestinal distress. Turkey and chicken bones can also splinter and cause choking or internal damage.
- Tip: Politely remind guests not to feed pets from the table, and instead provide a safe, pet-friendly treat.
Keep the Holidays Happy and Healthy for All
The best gift we can give our pets this season is a safe and healthy environment. By being mindful of these common holiday hazards, you’ll ensure a joyful, worry-free holiday for both you and your furry friends.
Need Advice?
If you have questions or suspect your pet has ingested something dangerous, don’t hesitate to contact us at ABVC. Wishing you and your pets a wonderful, safe holiday season!
- WhatsApp: 050 3440987
- Email: frontdesk@abvc.ae
- Call: 04 3408601
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