Pledge to Keep Your Pets Safe and Healthy This Holiday Season

Holidays can be fun for the whole family, but for pets, there are hidden dangers. Pledge to keep your pets safe during the upcoming holiday season. We've laid out 8 simple ways to ensure the health and safety of your fur family.

Know where to get emergency vet care

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends asking your veterinarian in advance where to take your pet for emergency care throughout the holidays. 

Write down the phone number of your emergency clinic. Be sure to call to verify its holiday hours. 

Have the number for a poison control hotline handy.  A phone call to a poison control line such as the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center might even save you an emergency vet trip. 

Hopefully your holidays go by without a crisis, but it's always safer to be prepared.

Keep dangerous foods out of reach

Many typical holiday goodies are anything but treats for our pets.  The AVMA specifically warns against chocolate, sugary sweets, sugar free sweets- especially those containing xylitol, baked goods, yeast dough and scraps from your holiday meals which can be especially rich and hard for animals to digest and can cause pancreatitis.

Don't leave alcoholic drinks unattended around pets. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure,

Explain house rules to guests

It's critical all visitors to your home are mindful of your pet. Make sure everybody knows about any animals who live in your home before they come over. 

If you have guests staying with you, make sure they know to keep any medications secured away from pets. Because so many of the items we ingest can be toxic to animals, all guests must be on board with food and drink safety.

Even pets who are normally friendly and outgoing, can be sensitive to changes in their environment, so make sure your pet always has a quiet, comfortable place where they can go that's away from visitors.

Always be aware of where your pet is, and keep an eye on the exits. Houseguests don't always understand how fast pets can slip out doors.Make sure your pet is wearing their collar and current ID tags just in case they do accidentally get out.

Maintain your pet's routine

Many people have fluctuations to their normal routines during the holidays, but try to keep your pet's routine as normal as possible to prevent undue stress. 

Stick to your pet's regular exercise and play regimen, so they don't put excess energy to destructive behaviors. And keep their feeding schedule and diet the same. Make sure anyone caring for your pet while you're away knows how to follow the routine, as well.

Pet-proof your decorations

Decorations can be a huge safety hazard for animals. They're breakable, they're toxic and some like string lights are just plain dangerous if they're chewed.  Securely anchor holiday trees, so a pet can't tip them over. Avoid real holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias, as they can be toxic to pets. Skip the tinsel as it can block the digestive tract, which might require surgery. Keep wires out of reach, and unplug lights and decorations any time you're not around. Plus, don't ever leave lit menorahs, lighted candles, or fires unattended. 

Take out trash promptly

Most of us will be spending the holidays at home this year- which means you may produce more trash than normal. Clear food promptly, and dispose of it outside as soon as possible. String, ribbons, bows, packaging and even wrapping paper can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if a pet eats them. Be cautious about leaving wrapped gifts where a pet can reach them. 

Prepare well in advance if you are traveling

If you're traveling by car with your pet, make sure your she/he is safely restrained and comfortable.  If you're traveling by air, be sure to get your vet's go-ahead to bring your pet, as it can be risky for some.

If your pet will be staying behind, ask your vet for recommendations on boarding facilities or pet sitters. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines, especially if they'll be in contact with other animals. 

Regardless of whether your pet is coming with you or staying with someone else, don't forget about their needs. Remember food, toys, medications, medical records, first aid supplies and anything else your animal needs to have a safe, comfortable holiday.

Ensure your pets get quality time this festive season, too.

The holidays can be stressful for everyone including your pets. There may be loud noises, flashing lights, and strange smells.

For your pets' mental health this holiday season, make sure to take the time to offer them quality snuggles and lots of opportunities to play. Bonus, it will be great for your stress levels, too!

By pledging to follow these tips, you can take care of your pets and show them how much you care.