The holidays are all about spending times with those you love – your family, your friends, and those furry (and feathered friends) that many of us consider family. It’s only natural that you’d want to include Fido or Fluffy in on the fun, but holidays can be a dangerous and stressful time for pets. Many holiday foods that you enjoy are harmful or even toxic to pets, some pets do not deal well with strangers (especially those not used to interacting with pets,) and often our favorite holiday decorations can be holiday hazards for animals.
The holidays are full of glitter and glitz and many pets (especially cats) are attracted to sparkle and shine. Ribbons and yarn, tinsel and ornaments, and Christmas trees can prove especially hard to resist. If you choose to decorate for the holidays, consider replacing ribbons and yarn with more animal friendly-options (like reusable holiday totes or gift bags) or keeping decorating supplies and wrapped presents well out of your pet’s reach.
The same goes when it comes to your decorations. If you are introducing your pet to holiday decorations or a Christmas tree for the first time, make it clear that the tree is off-limits. Some pets show little to no interest in removing ornaments or climbing trees. Others (my cats for instance) can’t resist the glow of a fully decorated tree. Some options to consider, if you must have a tree, are placing the tree in a room that can be closed when you aren’t present to supervise, using ornaments that are less breakable and/or animal friendly, and keeping your tree tinsel and “snow” free. Although pine needles (and the pine-infused water in the reservoir feeding your tree) can be a gastro-intestinal irritant, spray-on “snow” is toxic to dogs and cats.
Christmas trees can also be a climbing hazard for some cats. Make sure your tree is securely anchored in case your cat decides to go for a climb or your dog decides to investigate the charms of your tree a little too closely. Plan for your tree to be tipped over. Hopefully, it won’t happen, but if you anticipate a crash, you’ll be prepared for the worst. If your pet hasn’t encountered a Christmas tree before, it’s best not to place irreplaceable ornaments on it. Some pets pay no attention to trees. My two childhood cats, who had lived many years out-of-doors and knew the joys of actual trees, liked to sit under my tree between the presents. My current den of divas like to hurl ornaments down the stairs, drop them in water bowls, and test how many cats can climb a tree before it tips. Their little feline eyes start to shine madly the minute they see me take an ornament box out of storage. But, having learned the hard way the first year they encountered the tree, I only use ornaments that can survive a few dunks in water or some vigorous games of kitty cat hockey. I even use a few cat toys as ornaments.
Since the metal fastenings that come on many ornaments can be choking hazards, you might want to stick with hemp or twine. There’s the added benefit that when you step on a dislodged ornament in the middle of the night, you don’t have to worry about a little metal shard lodging in your foot.
If you have a live tree, you’ll also want to prevent your pet from drinking water from the tree. Pine is an irritant to dogs and cats and if you add preservatives to your water, it can be toxic to pets. And your tree isn’t necessarily the only floral hazard in your house. Many holiday plants are dangerous or even toxic to animals. Even if you are aware that lilies, poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, and ivy can harm plants, your friends may not be. Often houseguests gift plants during the holidays. Be sure to let your friends know that for the sake of our pets, you need to keep your house free of toxic plants. For a full list of dangerous plants you can visit www.ASPCA.org. They also have an extensive listing of plants that are pet-friendly in case you’d like to add a few to your holiday wish list.
ASPCA also has a list of hazardous foods you might want to check out before you plan your menu. You may be aware that chocolate and dogs don’t mix, but even safe items like meats may contain bones or gristle that could harm pets, not to mention seasonings such as garlic and onion that can be dangerous. As a short list avoid: chocolate, coffee, caffeine, alcohol of any kind, grapes and raisins, nuts, avocado, yeast dough, all artificial sweeteners, onion/garlic, raw meats/eggs, and salt. In general, it’s best never to feed your pet from the table. Pets have their own dietary needs. If you want to include your pet in the feast, consider cooking him or her their own menu.
You’ll also want to watch out for candles, electrical cords, and other decorative and decorating items that may intrigue pets. Just use common sense. You’d never leave an unattended candle around a small child. Use the same consideration for your pet. It’s also a good idea to ‘baby-proof’ your home for the holidays even if you don’t have children. Your guests may bring small children with them or their own pets who may be more adventurous than your own dog or cat. Depending on how your pet interacts with others, you may want to keep him or her out of harm’s way while you have visitors or houseguests. Your guests may not be as careful as you to keep things like holiday food and drinks out of your furry friend’s way. And often guests who don’t have pets of their own don’t understand how important it is not to feed pets from the table. The holidays can be stressful for everyone – including your pet. Even though you enjoy having him with you for the festivities, he may be better off sitting the party out in his own little doggy (or kitty) safe house.
Holidays are a time for fun and family and friends. Make sure they stay that way by taking a little time and care. After all, all your pet really wants for the holidays is your attention. Make sure you give them all the love (and care) they deserve. They give us so much all year long.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
