Potentially Hazardous Holiday Season Pitfalls for Pets: Unrecognized Christmas Tree Water Risks and Other Unsuspected Perils
No matter if you're throwing a grand Christmas feast or planning to stay cozy indoors for New Year's Eve, your home is likely to be the stage for some of your holiday celebrations. You might be pondering how to enhance your hosting skills to impress the folks entering your domain, but don't overlook your pets this festive season. Their comfort and safety are crucial, but the yuletide can be tough on them. Here are a few holiday pet safety tips that go beyond the basics, like keeping them away from your flaming candles.
Hazardous holiday decorations for pets
Firstly, ensure your tree is securely fastened to prevent it from crashing down if your cat decides to scale it or your dog experiences their nocturnal burst of energy and collides into it. If this seems like common sense, don’t forget this part: Keep pets away from the water reservoir that keeps your tree fresh. It may contain fertilizers or harmful chemicals that can cause harm if your pet happens to drink from it. Tree water can also harbor bacteria, which can lead to nausea or diarrhea in your pet, something neither they nor your guests will appreciate. Make sure there's an alternative water source for your pets close by.
Tinsel is another risk, particularly for cats, who love playing with it and nibbling on it. Ingesting tinsel can lead to bowel obstruction, vomiting, dehydration, or even surgery. The same goes for glass ornaments. If your pet isn't a climber but still shows interest in your decorations, keep those items high up on the tree.
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Keep electrical wires out of pets' reach as they can electrocute any animal that chews on them. If you prefer non-plug-in lights, remember that punctured batteries can cause burns. To safeguard your pets and preserve your lights, consider using specialized cord deterrents, such as CritterCord ($16.99 for 10 feet). Not only is it thick to protect cords from teeth, but it also has a bitter taste to discourage pets from biting through it.
CritterCord cord protector $16.99 at Amazon $19.69 Save $2.70 $16.99 at Amazon $19.69 Save $2.70 If you have a fireplace and a dog, be cautious of firestarter logs, as per the Humane Society. Those can contain sawdust and paraffin, which could irritate a dog's stomach or even lead to an intestinal blockage if consumed. Here’s a helpful guide for finding pet-safe firewood.
Foods pets should avoid during the holidays
You might already be trying to deter your dog's dinner-time pleas, but the holiday season is filled with a plethora of foods, most of which you don't consume year-round. Despite your dog's persistence, refrain from giving them a bone from your holiday ham or turkey. While it may seem harmless, when chewed, bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal injury. Of course, your dog should never, ever consume chocolate. Here are a few other holiday foods you might not realize your dog shouldn't eat:
- Chives
- Anything containing citric acid
- Anything with a pit
- Raw eggs
- Fish
- Garlic
- Leaves and stems
- Nuts (safe in small quantities)
- Onions (including flakes and powder)
- Anything too salty
Unsafe holiday plants for pets
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Nibbling on the Christmas tree can be harmful for pets, as they may consume needles that can cause an intestinal obstruction. The needles can puncture the intestinal lining or clump together to form a blockage, resulting in discomfort and risk. You can avoid this danger by opting for an artificial tree or keeping your pet away from the real one, especially if they're young or frequently nibble.
The ASPCA warns that if your pet ingests holly, they may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset or even cardiovascular problems, and lilies can induce kidney failure in cats if consumed. Lastly, poinsettias are mildly toxic to pets, so if you plan on keeping them during the holiday season, keep them out of reach.
During the holiday season, it's essential to consider the safety of your pets, not just your human family. For instance, keep your pet away from the water reservoir under your Christmas tree as it might contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. (pet holiday dangers)
Your family gathering might involve festive feasting, but remember to avoid giving your pet hazardous holiday foods such as chocolate, onions, or raw eggs. (pet holiday dangers, family)
