The holidays are full of opportunities to celebrate with your family. If you are a cat or a dog parent, you know that "family" also includes your pets. And while there are many ways to incorporate your furbabies into Thanksgiving and Christmas activities, be aware that there are also potential hazards associated with the season. Here are a few precautions you can take to avoid an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

5 Veterinarian Safety Tips for the Holidays

1. Keep Food Out Of Reach

When we think of Thanksgiving, we imagine a table decked out with all our favorite foods. But if you're hosting at your house, make sure that the spread is well guarded. Turkey can cause pancreatitis in pets, while chocolate is toxic to dogs and can lead to stroke. When the meal is over, don't leave leftovers on the table. Dogs should never be allowed to consume cooked bones, which can splinter and damage their stomach lining or other intestines. 

2. Secure Your Tree

Position your tree against a wall or in an alcove if you can. Furthermore, invest in a strong base which will prevent it from tipping over should a curious kitty or puppy pounce on it. If you have a real tree, avoid adding additives to its water supply, since these can harm pets. Ornaments are also best kept out of reach—a broken bauble, for instance, can cut delicate paws.

3. Skip Certain Decorations

Holly and mistletoe cause gastrointestinal problems in cats and dogs if ingested. If they eat tinsel, animals may experience an obstructed digestive tract. Avoid emergency trips to the veterinarian by foregoing these kinds of decorations.

4. Guard Your Holiday Lights

If you have electric lights strung up around your house, make sure the wires are kept out of your pets’ reach. Chewing on them can lead to a potentially fatal shock. Candles are also risky since cat or dog tails can send them flying. 

5. Create A Quiet Space

If you’re having loved ones over to celebrate, make sure your pet has a quiet space to escape the socializing. A separate room, equipped with their favorite blanket or toy, and basic food and water, is ideal. If you’re planning a bigger party—like a New Year’s celebration—consider pet boarding for the night.

When residents of Lincoln, NE, want state-of-the-art care for the animals they love, they put their trust in Wachal Pet Health Center. Veterinarians Mark and Jane Wachal have been serving the community since 1996 and welcomed Dr. Kelly Jordan to their team in 2012. They are all animal lovers who will treat your furry friend as if they were their own. Find out more about their services, from microchipping to teeth cleaning, online. For an appointment, call (402) 477-7877.