Holiday time is a phase when all of us are thrilled and joyous and so do our pets. However, this is also the time when we have to be very careful about our pets since they are prone to accidents and get hurt or can be trapped in some serious mishap. Below are the some holiday hazards tips for your pets to keep them safe and secure.
Plants And Flowers
Plants are a wonderful way to brighten up your home but they can cause some real danger and can be toxic to pets. Even non-toxic plants can cause some gastrointestinal issues to your pets if ingested in large quantities. Plants that are specifically dangerous to your pets are Chrysanthemums, Azaleas, Evergreens, Lily, Ivy, Juniper, etc.
Though poinsettias are largely considered to be toxic to dogs and cats, ingestion may cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and can result in vomiting, but they are generally considered low in toxicity.
Christmas Tree
Trees and ornaments are beautiful during the holidays but can be a danger to your furry friend. Pets are generally curious about the ornaments hanging from the Christmas tree and are easily attracted to them. It is advisable to hang them above your pet’s reach so that the risk of them getting hurt by them is lessened. Wooden, metal, and durable ornaments can be hung on the lower branches of the tree. However, for your pet’s safety one must avoid placing any ornaments on the lower branches of the Christmas tree.
Try to keep your Christmas tree secure by using a stable stand or table. You can tye the top or sides of the tree to a hook on the ceiling. If your pet chews on electrical cords then it can result in some serious injuries such as electrical shock and oral burns.
Unbaked Bread Dough
Raw dough is astonishingly appealing to pets, especially if it contains salt. Ingested yeast dough can swell up inside a pet’s digestive tract. It can cause blocking or rupturing internal organs and thereby causing seizures and respiratory failure.
Toys And Batteries
Never keep small toys and loose batteries on the floor, away from the reach of your pet. If a dog chews on a hard plastic toy, it can be at risk of breaking its teeth. Batteries, board game pieces, and some other small household items might contain some amount of zinc. It can cause pancreatitis and renal damage if swallowed by a pet. Beware of the batteries that could be in toys, cameras, watches, and remote controls.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be poisonous to pets in numerous ways. In some case alcohol can also lead to a coma or death. Even seemingly harmless amounts of alcohol can be lethal. Always note that alcohol can be found in many baked goods, such as fruit cake, plum cake, and even walnut cake so keep these out of reach of your furry companions.
Holiday Guests
The frequent ringing of the doorbells, increased activity. Visitors coming home during the holiday season can be stressful and upsetting to a pet’s routine. Pets should be kept away from doors leading to the outside and should be under control when visitors arrive and depart. To help them avoid unnecessary stress, consider restricting your pet to a relatively quiet room with access to hiding places until the guests are gone. Make sure that you put their food, water, and litter box in the same room too.
Read Also: Commonly Asked Questions on Pet Nutrition
Potpourri
Potpourri is often used around the house during festival time to put us in the holiday mood. The material in them and some additives are very irritating to the skin, mouth, and intestinal tract of the pet. If skin exposure is suspected, then bathing with a mild soap is recommended. Medical care may be needed to treat the irritation and pain that can follow exposure. Ingestion often results in signs that may include drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, and even disorientation in some cases.
Final Words
We hope these holiday hazards tips would be helpful to keep your pets safe and and secure. Have a fun a enjoy unlimited with your pets safely.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Many holiday plants, such as Chrysanthemums, Lilies, and Evergreens, are toxic to pets and can cause gastrointestinal issues or more severe health problems if ingested.
Secure the tree with a stable stand, tie it to a hook on the ceiling, and avoid placing ornaments on lower branches. Keep electrical cords out of reach to prevent injuries.
Unbaked dough can expand in a pet’s stomach, causing blockages or rupturing internal organs, potentially leading to serious health issues like seizures or respiratory failure.
Small toys and batteries can be choking hazards or contain harmful substances like zinc, which can cause pancreatitis or renal damage if swallowed.
Alcohol is highly toxic to pets and can lead to vomiting, seizures, coma, or even death, even in small amounts. It is often hidden in baked goods like fruit or plum cakes.
Frequent visitors and activity can stress pets. Keeping them in a quiet room with food, water, and their litter box can help them stay calm.
Potpourri can irritate a pet’s skin, mouth, and intestines. Ingestion may cause drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, or disorientation.
Ensure harmful items like plants, decorations, alcohol, and small objects are out of reach. Provide a quiet space for pets to relax away from holiday chaos.
The increased hazards from decorations, food, and guests can lead to accidents or stress. Monitoring helps ensure your pet stays safe and comfortable.
