Holidays are a fun time for people to celebrate life, decorate their homes, cook special meals, exchange gifts with loved ones, and enjoy other delights. The season, however, poses many challenges and potential problems for pet owners.
Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine, said, “Winter holidays are a great time to gather with family, including our furry family members. Amid all the festivities, it may be easy to forget some hazards our pets face.”
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Keeping pets safe around the holidays requires expert insight from Richardson and other experts. Here are their warnings and advice.
Christmas Trees
Richardson recommends regularly sweeping or vacuuming up needles, as they can be harmful if consumed. They can also irritate or cause pain to your pet. Ensure your tree is anchored to a wall or window if you have a pet who climbs or knocks things over. The sound and texture of aluminum foil can deter cats from climbing the trunk.
Gift-Wrapping Materials
During the holidays, dogs chew wrapping paper under the tree, which can upset their stomachs and cause foreign bodies. Surgical removal of foreign bodies is generally necessary, so make sure you put away gift-wrapping materials right away to avoid trauma and high costs. Pets may be interested in gifts, so keep them in a closet.
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Candles
Richardson advises caution with lit candles or menorahs. Whenever possible, keep them away from pets and anything flammable in case they fall over. In addition to preventing pet injury, candle safety also prevents house fires. Make sure there are no high perches nearby where cats can jump to reach candles if they like to climb.
Essential Oils
The holidays are the perfect time to fill the house with festive scents. For pet owners, however, choosing how to enjoy their holiday fragrance is as important as choosing candles. Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos, a veterinarian, said, “There is a risk associated with liquid potpourris because essential oils and detergents can severely damage your pet’s mouth, eyes, and skin.”