Holiday Safety Tips

Adoptable Molly hopes to have her first Christmas in her forever home this year!

Is there anything cuter than pictures of your pet in their holiday sweaters and bows? Not for us, there’s not! While it’s easy to get carried away with the delights of the season and the numerous holidays that take place in December, here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your pets safe and healthy.

Toxic Foods

As a general rule, people foods are not pet foods. Many foods are toxic to pets, including onions and grapes. Baked goods should be kept secured well out of reach of pets, as foods high in sugar, fat and carbs can cause your pet serious gastrointestinal distress. If ingested regularly, these foods can compromise organ function. 

No matter how much they beg, please don’t feed your pet scraps under the table. Even meats prepared for the table are not appropriate snacks for your pet – turkey and ham seasoned and cooked with oils or butter will not sit well in your pet’s tummy.

Dangerous Decor

Watch out for hanging items, such as lights, tinsel, ornaments or garlands that your pet can knock down, break, or ingest. Hang them up high and consider placing some foil or repellant spray around the bottom of your tree to ward off kitties and pups who are thinking of climbing the tree to reach the sparkly treasures up high!

Candles and fireplaces are also a hazard, so please supervise your menorahs, kinaras, candelabras and fireplaces. A curious kitty can easily start a fire by knocking over a candle, and nosy pups can get singed paws and tails if they get too close to the fireplace. 

Poisonous Plants

Poinsettias are nearly everywhere this season, but they are poisonous to pets! Mistletoe and holly are also toxic to animals. There are quite a few plants that are not safe to have around the house if you have pets, especially cats, so be sure to check if a plant is toxic to your pet before bringing it home.

Happy Howl-idays!