Now that the holiday season has begun, travel, family dinners, and plenty of festivities are on the horizon. As you plan your schedule and plan ways to get into the spirit, don’t forget to consider the health and safety of your four-legged friends. After all, an influx of company, food, and holiday-specific decor and plants can lead to unwanted trips to the animal hospital. With this in mind, here are a few pet care tips to adhere to during the holidays.

Top 3 Pet Care Tips to Embrace During the Holidays

1. Decorate Cautiously

Before you begin trimming the tree and turning your home into a winter wonderland, consider how the decor may affect the health and well-being of your animals. Certain plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are toxic if ingested, so refrain from placing these items where your animal can reach them. If you have glass ornaments, lights, and candles on your list of decorations, keep them away from your pet to avoid injury and possible destruction to your property. Most importantly, keep the name and number for your local animal hospital handy, so every member of the family knows what to do in case of a holiday-related emergency. 

2. Avoid Feeding Table Scraps

When you’re in the holiday spirit, it’s natural to want to share your feast with your furry best friend. Unfortunately, popular ingredients like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and even turkey can be detrimental to your pet’s digestive system and can cause stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. To ensure they stay healthy through the season, avoid feeding them table scraps. Instead, visit your local pet store and buy them a special treat.

3. Clean Up After Meals

One of the most frequent animal hospital visits during the holidays come from curious pets taking advantage of bountiful meals. To avoid this unnecessary trip to your veterinary clinic, stay diligent before and after meals. After you’re done eating, store leftovers in airtight containers out of your pet’s reach. If your dog or cat is prone to knocking over trash cans in search of a morsel, take your garbage outside right away.

Clermont Animal Hospital has been serving pet owners and their beloved animals throughout Clermont County, OH, for over 35 years. If you’re looking for a dedicated, trustworthy veterinary clinic that treats every patient like a member of the extended family, call today at (513) 732-1730 to schedule an appointment. For more information on the animals they specialize in treating, including exotic pets and birds, as well as the comprehensive list of services they offer, visit this animal clinic online.