While hosting friends and family for the holidays, don’t forget about the safety of your pets. When no one is looking, curious animals can get into holiday decorations or sneak food from dinner plates, resulting in a sick pet or an emergency vet visit. To keep your furry friends out of danger this holiday season, follow these tips.

3 Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

1. Use Artificial Mistletoe & Holly

Filling your home with holiday decorations puts everyone in a festive spirit, but some plants can be dangerous for pets. Hang artificial mistletoe and holly on banisters, mantels, and other indoor fixtures. The scent of real plants could attract pets. If an animal nibbles on the vegetation, they could experience digestive issues and vomiting. 

2. Don’t Share Table Scraps

Ask holiday visitors to refrain from giving pets “people food.” Chocolate, for example, contains a substance called theobromine that damages dogs’ and cats’ kidneys and nervous system. The butter and grease in holiday turkeys can cause pancreatitis or pancreas inflammation. Store the leftovers immediately and throw out the trash often, so pets aren’t tempted to grab food.

3. Be Prepared

Even with the above precautions, prepare for any situation. Find out if your pet’s regular vet is working over the holidays or has shorter business hours. Also, have the number of the ASPCA poison control hotline on hand for emergencies.

The emergency vets at Animal Health Center in Enterprise, AL, are standing by to help handle any situation this holiday season. For over five decades, the dedicated team has been committed to keeping area pets happy and healthy. The center also provides pet boarding for when families are out of town. To learn more about the 24/7 emergency vet services, call (334) 347-0544. Print out a special coupon for first-time visitors to the animal hospital online.