Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency trip to the vet. With all the distractions that come with the holidays, it’s important to be mindful of potential hazards that could affect the well-being of your pet. These essential safety tips from ZippyPaws can help you prepare and hopefully avoid disaster this holiday season.
Plan in Advance
Prevention is key, but should something go wrong, you need to be prepared. Keep these vital phone numbers posted on your fridge and stored in your phone in case of emergencies:
- Your veterinarian’s phone number
- Nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic
- ASPCA Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline ($85 incident fee): (855) 764-7661
Be Mindful of Seasonal Plants and Decorations
Many popular seasonal plants are toxic to both cats and dogs. Knowing which plants are toxic is essential to keeping your pet safe during the holidays. The following plants are all toxic to pets and should be kept out of their reach:
- Poinsettia
- Mistletoe
- Christmas Trees
- Holly
- Christmas Cactus
- Christmas Rose
- Lillies
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately. Signs and symptoms of plant poisoning include:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Coordination or balance issues
- Weakness or collapse
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty breathing
Holiday decorations can also pose risks to your pet. With their festive colors and scents, holiday décor can be tempting items for pets to play with and eat. Some of the most common decorations to keep out of their paws and mouths include:
- Ornaments (low hanging/breakable)
- Tinsel and ribbons
- Wreaths
- Electric lights and cords
- Candles
- Potpourri
- Christmas tree water
Avoid Feeding Pets Certain Festive Food and Drinks
Food and drink abound around the holidays. It’s essential to keep people food away from pets. Make sure any houseguests understand this and instruct them to only give pet specific treats to your pets. Seasonal food and drinks to keep out of your pet’s mouth include:
- Alcohol and cocktails
- Raisins and grapes
- Dairy products
- Chocolate
- Garlic, onions, and chives
- Eggnog
- Nuts
- Caffeine
- Scraps and bones
- Candies
- Salt and sugar
- Yeast dough
- Spices
Host a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering
The holidays can be an equally stressful time for pets as they are for humans. Pets can become anxious or overly excited with the sights, scents, and sounds of the season – especially with new faces in the home. So, if you are planning on hosting family and friends this holiday, it’s important that you try to reduce the amount of stress your pets experience with all the holiday hubbub going on. These tips will help ensure that your pup enjoys a safe and happy holiday gathering:
Safe Space: Provide your pet with access to a quiet comfortable space to retreat to if the holiday fuss is too much. A comfy crate with a new Christmas or Hanukkah toy from ZippyPaws should do the trick.
Pet Guests: Limit the number of guests with pets in attendance – or simply ask that guests do not bring their pets. Other animals present could possibly increase your pet’s anxiety.
Secure Exits: Be mindful of exits to prevent your pet from escaping the home as guests are arriving and departing. Also, be sure to leave their collar and ID tags on in case they do make a break for the door.
Distance Dangers: Consider crating your dog in another room while dining or unwrapping gifts to prevent them getting ahold of or eat something they shouldn’t.
Discard Dangers: Clear food from tables and counters when you are done with them to keep your pet from eating people food. Same goes for trash – especially wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, packaging, and any other discarded items your pet will be tempted to play with or eat.
Make Holiday Travel Safe and Enjoyable
If you plan on hitting the road with your pet as your co-pilot, make their journey comfortable and take every precaution to safeguard them from any harm. Here are a few things to consider before you set out on your drive:
Familiarize yourself with U.S. travel requirements: Your destination may have specific requirements for taking a pet from one state to another state. Consult your vet about the possible need to obtain a current health certificate, updating vaccinations, or anything else required for travel. If you have any questions, contact the State Veterinarian’s office in your travel destination state. You can find a current listing of State Animal Officials on the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) website.
Properly restrain your pet: Using a secure harness or a carrier are the only truly safe ways for your pet to travel. Of course, you want to make them super comfortable with whatever method you choose. Preferably your pet should be situated in the back seat and clear of airbags. Never allow your pet to travel in the bed of a truck and never leave them alone in the car.
Pack for your pet: Familiar items from home, like favorite toys and blankets, can help alleviate travel stress your pet may experience. In addition to necessities like food, water, waste bags and medication, bring copies of their medical records, recent photos to help identify your pet if they become lost, first aid supplies, and a list of Veterinarians and 24 hour Emergency Hospitals along your route.
From everyone at ZippyPaws, we wish you and yours a Merry Holiday and Happy New Year!
To help you get into the spirit of the holiday season, our talented designers have created these adorable Holiday Coloring Pages just for you! Right-click and save as to download each one for FREE!
