Between putting up decorations and preparing festive meals, it’s easy to forget that many holiday elements may present a danger to your four-legged friends. Fortunately, if you’re a cat or dog owner, reviewing potential safety hazards will help you keep your animal companions happy and healthy during this time of year. To avoid emergency trips to your local veterinarian, here are a few important holiday safety tips to keep in mind.

5 Holiday Hazards to Keep Away From Your Pet

1. Seasonal Plants

Seasonal plants add a splash of festive color to your home, but many of them contain toxins that can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Common dangers include poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, amaryllis, and lilies. Decorate with non-toxic plants, such as roses, petunias, and orchids instead.

2. Christmas Tree Water

If you have a live Christmas tree, its water dish can contain fertilizers and bacteria that may harm your pet. To keep your dog or cat from drinking the water, go artificial or cover your tree stand securely with foil or plastic. You should also avoid putting additives in the water, as they can be toxic to animals.

3. Dinner Scraps  

As much as your pet may beg for a taste of a holiday meal, avoid feeding them from your plate. Common seasonal foods like fatty gravy, onions, dairy, and desserts are all items that may cause digestive distress in cats and dogs. Some items may even trigger severe health problems, such as pancreatitis and kidney failure. If you want to give your pet a treat, buy products specifically intended for this purpose. 

4. Ornaments & Decor

Fragile tree ornaments, garlands, ribbons, tinsel, and electric lights are all decorative items that attract pets, especially cats. These alluring items can break or shed into small pieces that your pet might ingest, posing a risk of intestinal blockage and injury. If you’re decorating, keep items out of your pet’s reach. 

5. Open Doors

If you’re hosting family or throwing a holiday party, your home will encounter a lot of foot traffic that could lead to doors being left open for too long. If your pet is at risk of running off, consider putting them in a secure room when you entertain. Have your veterinarian implant a microchip to improve your chances of finding your furry friend in the event they get lost.

Whether your companion is due for a wellness exam or requires 24-hour emergency care over the holidays, Makai Veterinary Clinic is here to help. Backed by the latest tools, these experienced veterinarians offer comprehensive services to protect and restore your animal’s health, including pet surgery, vaccinations, and dentistry. Count on this Hilo, HI animal hospital to take a gentle approach to ensure your pet stays comfortable and healthy. Visit this animal clinic online for more information on these services or call a friendly associate at (808) 959-2273 to schedule an appointment.