It is a joy to include your feathered, furry and scaly friends in the holiday fun.  Keeping them safe can be a challenge.  Pets get excited by all the activity and sometimes want to explore things they should not.

Decorations 

Make sure Christmas trees are stable, ideally secured to a wall.

Unplug interior lights when not at home and remember to hang cords out of the way.

Put breakable or edible ornaments at the top of the tree.

If you have a cat, avoid using tinsel-they like to eat it!

Poinsettias may cause stomach upset if eaten, keep out of reach.

Gifts

If you have cats, avoid using string or curling ribbon to wrap gifts.  Some cats like to eat it and can become obstructed.

Food

Try and keep your pet’s diet consistent throughout the holiday season.  The increased activity and visitors to the home can increase their stress level and make conditions like gastritis and colitis more likely.

Chocolate is toxic to pets in certain quantities and should be avoided.

Avoid pork and dairy products that may lead to diarrhea or pancreatitis.

Grapes, raisins and onions have been implicated in serious illness in dogs and cats.

Include your nonhuman friends in the holidays by giving them pet friendly toys and treats.  It is fun to watch a dog paw through the gift wrap!

Have a warm and fuzzy holiday season!!!