The holidays are a time for festive decorations, sweet treats, and busy parties. While celebrating the season, don’t forget about your pets. Some of the changes during the holidays can compromise your pet’s health. Keep the following animal wellness best practices in mind to ensure your four-legged friends stay safe and happy during your holiday fun. 

3 Animal Wellness Tips for the Holidays

1. Watch the Sweets

There are a lot of treats around during the holidays, but owners should keep them away from pets. Chocolates as well as sweets containing xylitol are poisonous for pets. Rich, fatty, and spicy human foods can upset your pet’s stomach and cause nausea and diarrhea. In addition to keeping human food out of your pet’s reach, always close the garbage bin to stop them from getting into your scraps.

2. Guard Your Tree

Pets can be curious about shiny items like tree ornaments and lights, which they might play with, risking electrocution. When consumed, the sharp debris can damage your pet’s digestive tract and require emergency surgery. Pets may also drink the water from the tree stand, which often contains fertilizers and bacteria. Protect your tree with a gate or other barrier to prevent these issues.

3. Think of the Setting

New surroundings and crowds can make some dogs and cats feel anxious or agitated. Give your pet a room away from the crowd if they need a place to relax. Also, avoid making loud noises, especially around New Year’s, since they can startle and stress out your furry friends. 

When you’re concerned about animal wellness during the holidays or throughout the year, bring your pet to Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI. Their veterinarians are locals who grew up in Hawaii and now offer compassionate care to area pets, including dental cleaning, surgery, and emergency services. To learn more about their veterinary services and current specials, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 676-2205 today.