The holidays are an exciting time to gather with friends and family, but the numerous festivities can be hazardous for your pets. With all the food, decorations, and parties filling your home, it’s important to be extra vigilant to make sure your furry friend doesn’t eat or get into something they shouldn’t. Here are a few pet care tips to keep your cats or dogs happy and healthy all season long.

Pet Care Advice for the Holidays

1. Avoid Poisonous Plants

Many seasonal plants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats, so be cautious when bringing new plants into the house. Poinsettias, aloe, holly, yew branches, and many more are all toxic to animals. If you use these plants in your décor, make sure to keep them out of reach of your pet. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into something toxic, contact your trusted pet hospital immediately.

2. Keep Presents, Decorations, & Cords Safely Stored

Cats and dogs alike will be curious about the new decorations and presents filling the house. Wrapping paper, tinsel, cords, and bows may seem like fun toys to claw at or chew. However, tinsel can cause intestinal blockage if it’s ingested, while Christmas lights and electrical cords can cause burns if your pet chews on them. To prevent your pet from getting sick, put these items out-of-reach, or put a barrier around your tree so they can’t get to the decorations.

3. Make Sure Pets Are Microchipped & Wearing Collars

With guests coming in and out of your home during holiday parties, it can be easy for pets to slip out unnoticed. Get your dogs and cats microchipped at your veterinary clinic so you can make sure you’re reunited if they get out. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your address and other information is up to date. In addition, your dogs and cats should wear collars at all times, with accurate vaccine and contact information on the tags.

4. Don’t Feed Them Leftovers

While a small taste of turkey might not seem harmful to your dog or cat, resist the urge to give them human food like leftovers and table scraps. Many seasonal ingredients can be harmful to your pets, including chocolate, onions, the artificial sweetener Xylitol, pork meat, garlic, yeast, caffeine, and eggnog. Feeding your pet table scraps can also lead to weight gain, which has serious health consequences, including pancreatitis. Don’t give animals leftover bones to chew on, as they could splinter, causing a choking hazard or a more serious internal injury. Thoroughly disinfect and clean any food preparation surfaces immediately after use, and keep pets out of the kitchen to reduce the chance that they’ll get into something.

If your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t have, get them the reliable pet care they need at Tanner Veterinary Hospital. Serving families of Pope County, AR, for more 50 years, they’ve become a trusted name in pet care, with advanced treatments, experienced staff, and top-of-the-line equipment. They can provide everything from microchipping and emergency services, to dental care and boarding services for your furry friends. To learn more about what they can do for your pet, visit them online, or call (479) 968-3535 to schedule an appointment today.