10 Holiday Pet Safety Tips

It's the holiday season and that means lots of decorations, yummy foods, and toasty gatherings by the fireplace. But all this fun can be spoiled with a trip to the animal emergency room, if you don't take precautions. As a matter of fact, during the holidays vet clinics and especially animal hospitals see an increase in toxicity and injuries of family pets. So here are 10 tips to help keep your pet safe during the holiday season.

10 Holiday Pet Safety Tips

1. Be sure your pet is wearing his ID tag and collar at all times. With so many visitors coming and going, this is an important tip. The last thing you will want to do this holiday is look for your lost dog.


2. Burning candles can be a pose a big problem without proper care. Make sure all candles are high enough off the ground so your pet's tail doesn't get singed or accidentally knocks over the candle and starts a house fire.


3. Christmas trees, both real and artificial pose hazards to pets. Pine needles (both real and plastic) are sharp and if ingested can cause intestinal blockage. Other Christmas tree dangers include the ornaments, tinsel, wire hooks, ribbons, lights, and the list goes on and on. The best advice, keep a watchful eye on your pet around the tree and when you are away from home, restrict access to it completely.


4. Electrical cords also need to be taped down and covered. If your dog is a chewer, electrical cords can be fatal. When not in use, instead of flipping a switch to turn off the lights, unplug cords directly from the wall.


5. Even before they are opened decorated gifts can pose a threat but once they are opened and everything is strewn all over the floor you must be watchful of all the bows, wrapping paper, small toy parts, food items, string, and anything else your pet could ingest.


6. There seems to be an abundant of chocolates and alcohol this time of year and both are toxic to dogs. Make sure holiday foods and drinks are out of your pet's reach.


7. Keep your pets away from holiday plants including Poinsettias, Holly, and Mistletoe all which are toxic and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.


8. Fireplace and space heaters can cause burns to your pet if they get too close.


9. If your pet does not have a naturally thick coat, buy them a sweater or coat for those cold walks.


10. Rock Salt can irritate your dog's pads. Be sure to rinse your dog's pads off with warm water when returning from a walk.

Taking a few precautions can help ensure your pet has a safe and happy holiday too.