The holidays should be enjoyable for every member of the family, pets included, but with the chaos that ensues during wrapping, cooking, and exchanging gifts, it’s all too easy for a pet to come into contact with a hazard. To keep your furry friends safe this holiday season, the pet care experts at Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin Dells have some important tips to bear in mind.

Here are five foolproof pet care tips to get your animals through the holidays safely:

• Trim The Tree With Caution: For cats and dogs, the ornaments, tinsel, and lights on a Christmas tree can be mesmerizing; yet, tree decorations pose serious hazards for pets. Glass ornaments can cause cuts when shattered, and tinsel and other decorations could cause intestinal blockages if consumed. To prevent accidents, keep your tree in a corner, avoid putting decorations on low-hanging branches, and consider hanging bells on the branches to alert you if your pet is playing near the tree.
• Hang Stockings High: The chocolate and other goodies found in stockings can be toxic for pets. To avoid a trip to the animal hospital during the holidays, keep stockings up high, and don’t forget to hang them back up after they’ve been opened.
• Steer Clear Of Hazardous Plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are all poisonous to dogs and cats; if you have them, keep them far out of your animals’ reach. If your pet consumes any of these plants, call the animal clinic immediately.
• Check For Wrapping Scraps: Bows, scissors, tape dispensers, and scraps of paper are easy to leave behind. Double-checking the floors after a long night of wrapping or exchanging gifts could wind up saving your pet’s life, as many of these items could cause injuries.  
• Tape Up Your Wires: If your home or tree is adorned with Christmas lights, tape the wires to the walls to prevent electrocution.

If your pet becomes ill or injured during the holiday season, Dells Animal Hospital is just a phone call away. You can call (608) 253-7361 to learn more, or visit their website for more information about their comprehensive pet care services.