The holiday season is full of festivities, deliciousness, and celebrating with family and friends. As you decorate, shop, and prepare feasts, remember that pet parents have extra work to do. Avoid an emergency trip to the Liberty Vet this season by protecting your furry friends from the following seasonal hazards.

5 Holiday Risks for Pets

1. Holiday Plants

Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias add vibrant color and fresh aromas to holiday interiors. Unfortunately, they’re also poisonous to pets. If ingested, they may cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Instead of festooning your home with these plants, purchase artificial versions or nontoxic alternatives. The leaves, flowers, and berries of Christmas cactus and autumn olive are perfect for the holidays.

2. Dangerous Foods

The mouthwatering scents of a holiday dinner may have your pet begging for scraps, but don’t give in. Fat trimmings and turkey may result in diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis in dogs. Bones in table scraps are particularly dangerous as they may splinter and cause internal damage. Chocolate, alcohol, and macadamia nuts are all poisonous to pets. Call an animal hospital immediately if your pet ingests any toxic substances.

3. Noisy Festivities

If you’re hosting a party, consider your pet’s comfort and safety. Noisemakers, fireworks, and sudden loud noises frighten pets and send them running. Keep doors closed to prevent pets from escaping, and prepare a quiet, cozy room where they can take refuge.

4. Lights & Candles

Curious pets may try to chew on cords of colorful holiday lights. To avoid shocks, keep cords tucked away or cover them with a protective casing. Candle flames may burn your pets or start fires if knocked over. To avoid these risks, place candles out of reach.

5. Christmas Trees

Pet owners should be especially cautious with Christmas trees. Rambunctious pets may knock a tree onto themselves. To prevent potential injuries, secure trees and regularly vacuum pine needles from floors and other surfaces. Water additives can also be toxic if ingested, so screen tree stands with netting to prevent pets from drinking tainted water.

Sparkling tinsel, too, is a danger to cats, requiring pet surgery to remove if eaten. Decorate your tree without it. If you believe your pet is susceptible to consuming tinsel, string wooden beads on your tree instead.

If you need critical pet care during the holiday season, you can rely on Liberty Veterinary Hospital for professional and comprehensive medical services. Serving the Liberty Township, OH, area, this full-service animal hospital will keep your pets happy and healthy. From dental cleanings and preventative care to boarding and dog training, they go above and beyond to meet all pets’ needs. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 755-9700 today, or go online to learn how they approach first-time visits.