The holiday season is full of joy, celebration, and, of course, decorations! However, amidst the glittering lights, wrapped presents, and festive treats, there are also hidden dangers for our beloved pets. To ensure that your furry friends stay safe while you celebrate, it’s essential to be aware of certain hazards in your home and take preventative measures. Here’s a guide to common holiday pet safety risks and how to avoid them:
8 Holiday Pet Safety Hazards and Tips
1. Bows and Ribbon
Bows and ribbons are often used to decorate presents and holiday arrangements, but they can pose a choking hazard or cause internal blockages if ingested. Cats, in particular, are extremely attracted to the shiny, moving strands, which may tempt them to play with or chew on them.
Tip: Keep gift wrapping supplies, such as bows and ribbons, out of your pet’s reach. If you do decorate presents with ribbons, choose materials that are less likely to unravel or tangle. And always supervise your pets around wrapped presents.
2. Wrapped Presents
Wrapped paper is another holiday pet safety hazard, the temptation of shiny wrapping paper and bows is irresistible for pets, especially cats. Our furry friends may be drawn to claw at the paper or chew on the ribbons, which can lead to ingestion of foreign materials that may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Tip: Keep wrapped gifts out of sight and away from pets. Consider using gift bags or boxes that are harder for pets to get into. If your pet has a habit of chewing, avoid putting gifts under the tree until the last moment.
3. Toys
While holiday toys can be fun for your pets, they can also pose as another holiday pet safety hazard. Some toys may have small parts or be made from materials that can be easily chewed or broken into dangerous pieces. Pets, particularly dogs, may also chew on ornaments or decorative items that aren’t intended as toys.
Tip: Choose toys that are appropriate for your pet’s size and chewing habits. Be sure they are durable and do not contain any small parts that could be swallowed. Always supervise pets with new toys, especially around holiday decorations.
4. Christmas Tree Water
The water at the base of your Christmas tree may seem harmless, but this is one of the sneakier holiday pet safety hazards. Christmas tree water can contain chemicals from tree preservatives, as well as bacteria from stagnant water. Drinking this water can make your pet sick, especially if they happen to ingest large quantities.
Tip: Cover the base of the tree with a tree skirt or secure it with a tree guard to prevent pets from accessing the water. Change the water frequently to reduce bacteria growth and consider using a non-toxic tree preservative or skipping it altogether.
5. Salt Dough Ornaments/ Holiday Foods
Many people love making homemade salt dough ornaments as part of their holiday traditions. However, the dough used in these crafts often contains high levels of salt. These ornaments can be a very toxic holiday pet safety hazard if one of your pets happens to ingest one.
In addition to salt dough ornaments, holiday foods can also present serious risks to pets. While it’s tempting to share festive treats with your furry friends, many holiday foods are toxic to pets. Common hazards include chocolate, nuts, grapes, raisins, and alcohol. Chocolate, for example, contains theobromine, which can be deadly to dogs and cats, while grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure.
Tip: Keep salt dough ornaments and holiday foods well out of your pet’s reach. Make sure to store food safely, especially sweets or foods that are commonly enjoyed during the holidays, such as chocolate, baked goods, and dishes containing garlic or onions. If your pet does ingest something harmful, contact your vet immediately for advice.
6. Poinsettias and Holly Plants
Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are commonly used as holiday decorations but can be toxic to pets if ingested. Poinsettias cause mild irritation to the mouth and stomach, while holly and mistletoe can cause more serious symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues in severe cases.
Tip: Place these plants in areas where pets cannot access them, such as high shelves or hanging baskets. If you have curious pets, consider opting for plants that don’t pose as a holiday pet safety hazard, non-toxic Christmas cacti or fake versions of popular holiday plants.
7. Candles
Candles are a staple of holiday ambiance, but they present a holiday pet safety fire hazard to pets. Pets can easily knock over candles while exploring the area, potentially starting a fire. Additionally, pets can suffer burns from getting too close to a lit candle.
Tip: Always keep candles out of reach of pets and never leave them unattended. Use flameless, battery-operated candles as a safer alternative. If you have pets who are prone to knocking things over, consider using wall-mounted candle holders or lanterns to keep candles high and safe.
8. Tinsel
Tinsel is a popular Christmas decoration, but it can be extremely dangerous if ingested by pets, especially cats. The shiny strands can cause blockages in the digestive system, which may require surgery to remove.
Tip: Avoid using tinsel if you have curious cats or pets who tend to chew on decorations. If you do use tinsel, place it higher on the tree or in spots where pets can’t reach. Be extra vigilant about cleaning up any stray strands that may fall to the floor, to avoid an unplanned holiday pet safety hazard.
The holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy the company of family, friends, and pets. By staying aware of the potential holiday pet safety hazards around your home, you can help ensure that your pets are safe from harm while you celebrate. Keep decorations out of reach, be cautious about what your pets have access to, and make sure to create a safe and joyful environment for both your family and your furry companions.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure a happy and healthy holiday season for everyone in your home, including your pets!