Holiday Hazards for Pets

It’s the happiest time of the year. It’s easy to get lost in the magic of the season and forget that it offers some unique dangerous to our beloved pets. There are different decorations brought inside, special holiday foods and treats, and oftentimes relatives visit as well. This all means it’s easier for a few dangers to slip in with the chaos.

This holiday season, watch out for our top ten holiday hazards.

1. Chocolate- While this is a hazard year-round, it’s a common hazard in the holiday season. Most celebrations involve chocolate sweets, which can easily get into the reach of hungry pets. Keep chocolates away from pets, preferably in lidded containers in case the dog manages to get onto the table.
2. Xylitol- Xylitol is becoming more insidious. Once found solely in sugar-free gum, it’s not in everything from better-for-you sweets to peanut butter to toothpaste. Make sure you check the ingredients list before allowing your pets to share. 
3. Uncooked dough– Uncooked dough ferments and expands in the stomach, causing bloat. Be especially wary if you have a breed known to have problems with bloat, such as Great Danes or German Shepherds. Dogs with deep chests are particularly prone to this painful and deadly condition.
4. Alcohol- This should be a no-brainer, but alcohol is not safe for pets. They cannot handle it and get alcohol poisoning. 
5. Medications- With so many holiday travelors, medications often fall into the lap of curious pets. Suitcases are easy to open and relatives may not be used to hiding things from Fluffy. To keep pets and children safe, keep all medications in child-proof containers that are out of reach of curious paws. 
6. Plants- Some holiday plants are particularly poisonous. Poinsettias and lilies should be kept far away from pets, as they can cause deadly poisonings. Mistletoe is also highly poisonous to pets and people, so it’s a good idea to stick with faux and leave the real mistletoe outside.
7. Tinsel- Tinsel tangles up in the digestive tract, causing dangerous and deadly blockages. Cats and dogs are entranced by tinsel and never fail to hoover as much as they can off the branches of the Christmas tree. If you must have tinsel on your tree, consider putting a gate around the tree or putting it in a room that the pets cannot access. 
8. Ornaments- Many ornaments have small parts or sharp edges that can become hazardous. Dog tails seem to be at the perfect height for maximum ornament-sweeping. Any cat owner will also tell you to keep glass ornaments far away from frisky kitties. Choose your decorations with critters in mind and consider displaying your heirlooms in a creative way. 
9. Electrical cords- Electrical cords can cause blockages by bunching and twisting inside the digestive tract. They can also cause electric shocks if they’re chewed when still plugged in. Electrical injuries include seizures, heart attacks, burns on the face and mouth, and muscle tremors. If you suspect your pet has been electrocuted, take them to the emergency vet as soon as you can.
10. Fragrances– While festive fragrances smell heavenly to us, they can also be a dangerous magnet for pets in the house. The fragrance smells lovely, but can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Some fragrances can also cause liver and kidney damage. Scented candles also have an added fire risk if curious cats knock them off of their settings. Consider using room sprays, solid gels, or scented products that can be kept far away from prying pets. 

Having a happy holiday can also mean having a safe holiday for everyone in the household. Preparing for holiday pet hazards will mean the holiday is safe for pets, too.