Holiday Hazards: Keeping Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season!

The holidays are a busy time for all of us, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and soon we’ll all be putting up our Christmas trees and decorations for the holiday season. This holiday, however, poses a serious risk for the furry members of our family.

The cold weather itself brings possibility of frost bite and hypothermia for our outdoor pets, and all pets are prone to cut and cracked paws from cold and icy terrain or sidewalks. Don’t forget to make sure your pet always has an unfrozen water source, but don’t pour out hot water as the pet may scald him/herself. Metals bowls should be watched carefully so we don’t have a “Christmas Story” moment! No one wants their tongue stuck to a cold metal object! If you don’t have a plastic bowl to use during the winter, make sure to keep the outside and edges of the bowl dry and watch your pet carefully. Your safest bet is to invest in a plastic or alternatively-crafted bowl. If your pet will chew plastic bowls, never fear! There are cheap stonewear and ceramic bowls available as well (I’ve listed some excellent plastic and alterative-wear on the right, cheap and available on Amazon!)

Another looming risk specifically for the outdoor felines in our family is car engines. Under the hood is a seductively warm place that cats will frequently climb into to escape wind chill or warm themselves on a car’s motor. Cats can be ripped in two, killed, or severely injured by fan belts; dropped and ran over, or a number of possibilities. Make a habit of honking your horn or banging on your hood to make sure your cat or a neighborhood cat isn’t inside.

Dogs and cats have the potential to be exposed to antifreeze at anytime of the year, but are specifically prone during the winter months. This substance can leak from the underside of cars or be spilled from containers in garages where your pet may be sniffing around. Antifreeze has a sweet smell and taste which attracts dogs, though cats may drink it as well. DO not take risks with your pet encountering this deadly substance. If you suspect your pet has ingested even minute amounts of antifreeze seek a veterinarian’s attention immediately.

The salts and deicers used on sidewalks pose a threat to your pet as well. Make sure that your pet doesn’t eat or lick on the sidewalk, and try to wipe off their paws so they don’t lick any of the substance off. These can cause serious inflammatory response and upset of the GI tract.

Our indoor pets aren’t completely safe from this wonderful Holiday either! Though they’re not at risk of cold like our outdoor companions, they can be burned by space heaters if you have them in your home. Make sure your pet does not knock over or lay too near these heaters, for both your household and the pet’s safety.

If your pet stays in a garage, do not leave the pet inside while a car is running to warm up for you. Carbon monoxide can build up inside the garage even if a window or door is cracked open. It's colorless and odorless and will cause death in pets and people. Take care!

Don’t let your pets be sniffing around in your flower arrangements! Cats are especially bad to nom on plants when you aren’t (or are) looking. Mistletoe and lilies are particularly poisonous and, to a lesser extent, poinsettias. If you have these plants inside makes sure that they’re safely out of reach of your pets or supervise your animal around said plants.

Cats are notorious for being fans of the Christmas tree. The tinsel and other types of fabric can be ingested and cause bowl obstructions that can be very dangerous to your pet, they’re also obvious choking hazards. Puppies may try to eat tinsel as well!

Watch fallen or broken ornaments that can cause obstruction, cuts, or other harm to your pet. It may be wise to skimp on the decorations near the base of the tree. Also beware of pets chewing electrical cords, especially teething or curious animals. A twisted Christmas cord may look remarkably like a rawhide twirl.

If you have a real tree, don’t let your animals drink the water at the base, it may contain chemicals or bacteria that could kill or make your pet very ill.