The holidays are fast approaching, so quickly in fact I nearly missed posting this blog! Here a few tips and reminders to help ensure your pets are kept safe and secure during this festive season.
Safety Tips
- 🌿Some plants such as holly and mistletoe are poisonous. Keep plants out of reach. Poinsettia’s can be toxic when ingested in large quantities.
- 🕯Place candles in high out of reach areas such as the mantel and high shelves. Pets can knock them over with their tails or become curious and try to investigate. Never leave candles unattended.
- 🌲Pet proof your Christmas tree. Remove hanging ornaments from the base of the tree and decorate the upper sections out of your pets reach. Place a barrier around the tree i.e. ex pen, gates.
- 🎠 Some homemade decorations can be toxic i.e. salt ornaments. In addition, bulb ornaments should be handled and hung with care as they can shatter if they fall. Opt for shatter-proof bulbs and ornaments instead.
- 💡Keep lights secured and out of reach to prevent your pet from gnawing on them or becoming tangled.
- 🥘 Keep pets away from unattended food/plates.
- 🎁 Remove gift wrapping materials: bows, ribbons, strings, wrapping paper as you unwrap. These can pose potential choking hazards and/or blockages if ingested.
- 🛌 In addition to the above precautions it’s important to have a safe space for your pets to retreat to should they need to excuse themselves from the festivities. Visitors and guests can be exciting and also overwhelming for some. Set up an area with their blanket or bed away from the entertainment, along with some toys. Prepare frozen Kongs, special treats and chews to keep them busy. For excited dogs, offer them something to do to help release some of their excitement when visitors arrive. If your dog is not interested in the crowds – that’s OK! Set them up in their own area where they can be comfortable and relax on their own.
This time should be filled with joy and happiness. Let’s be sure to take into account how our pets feel as well and ensure there’s a plan in place should the situation change.
Happy holidays everyone!
