Christmas cookies, glittering tinsel, glass ornaments: Many things that make the holidays magical also happen to pose a serious hazard for pets. If you’re hosting any events this season—or just decorating the house—it’s important to keep your furry friends in mind. Otherwise, they could wind up in serious trouble. Here are just a few tips for keeping pets safe over the holidays so you don’t have to make an emergency trip to the animal hospital.

3 Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners 

1. Decorate With Care

Pinecones, potpourri, popcorn strings, and other fragrant decorations will most certainly attract your pets, so keep such items out of reach (or forgo them altogether). Candles should also be placed far from wagging tails and swatting paws. Tinsel is perhaps the most dangerous decoration, though, as it can block the digestive tract if ingested. If you have cats, skip the tinsel entirely because they may be able to reach it no matter how high on the tree you put it. 

2. Keep People Food Away 

Many holiday favorites contain ingredients that are dangerous for pets to consume. Depending on the circumstances, ingesting “people food” could even cause life-threatening complications. Ingredients to avoid include chocolate, raisins, coffee, cooked bones, and walnuts. For optimal health, animal hospitals advise you to avoid giving your pets any human food whatsoever. 

3. Provide an Escape

Considering how stressful the holidays are for humans, it’s only reasonable to assume the chaos can be just as stressful for pets. If you’re planning on hosting a party, provide animals with a quiet place where they can escape if the festivities get too rowdy. Otherwise, their anxiety may get the better of them, and they could end up hurting themselves while attempting to get away. If your pets are especially anxious around groups of people, ask the vet for sedative recommendations the next time you take them to the animal hospital. 

If your pets end up in trouble this holiday season, turn to Robertsdale Animal Clinic. Led by Dr. Alan Moore, a practicing veterinarian for 40 years, this animal hospital provides comprehensive pet care for dogs, cats, and other critters throughout Baldwin County, AL. Their services include dental work, vaccinations, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care. To make an appointment for your furry friend, fill out the form on their website or call (251) 947-7297.