The holidays are an exciting time filled with food, family traditions, and cozy togetherness. However, the holidays can pose added risks to pets, especially with the influx of decorations and potluck dinners. Here are a few mindful ways you can provide excellent animal care to your pets this season. 

Tips for Protecting Pets This Holiday Season

1. Secure the Tree

Christmas trees are filled with smells, colors, and shiny objects—all of which are interesting to dogs and cats. To prevent your animal from climbing on the tree, pulling it over, and exposing themselves to broken glass and other dangerous ornaments, secure your Christmas tree carefully. Consider placing the tree next to a banister or railing in your entryway or family room and tying a section of the tree to the structure to keep your animal from knocking it over. 

If you have a live tree, be aware that fir oils may be toxic to your pet. Ingestion can cause vomiting, and swallowed needles may puncture their intestinal lining. When the base of the tree is kept in water, it’s especially important to be vigilant when your pets are near the tree this year, as it may contain preservatives and toxins that are dangerous to drink.

2. Keep Dangerous Foods Away

If you’ll be having any traditional Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza meals with family, be wary of dishes with ingredients that are harmful to pets. Onions, garlic, grapes, mushrooms, walnuts, and even yeast dough can be harmful to animals, so screen incoming items carefully before you sit down to a meal. Additionally, ask family members not to feed your pets from the table.

3. Cover Cords 

Electrical cords pose electrocution hazards to animals, so cover and secure all cords or exposed electrical lines you may use during holiday decorating. Think about taping the electrical cord to the floor and placing a runner or area rug over it to keep your pet safe. 

If you want to create a safer home for your pet during the holidays but aren’t quite sure where to start, turn to the animal care experts at TLC Pet Care Centers. In addition to offering vaccinations and emergency services, these trusted pet professionals will also help with pet boarding in case you want to take your family on a well-deserved trip. To learn more about how they can help with animal care, visit their website. To make an appointment, give their east Cincinnati, OH, clinic a call at (513) 683-2300 or their west Cincinnati location at (513) 825-4011.