With the abundance of food, guests and decorations during the holiday season, pet owners must be extra cautious in keeping their furry friends safe. Here are pet safety guidelines to remember during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

First, keep “people food” away from pets. Advise your friends, family and guests to follow the rule, too! If you want to share special holiday goodies with your pet, make sure the treats are formulated just for them.

If you are hosting a party, be careful with unattended food and/or alcohol. Keep your pets away from the temptation of digging into something that could be dangerous. While this list is not complete, the following foods are extremely dangerous for pets:

• Chocolate, nuts, onions, raisins and grapes. These are poisonous and can be toxic to dogs and cats.

• Sweets/candy/baked goods. Often too rich for pets, they may contain artificial sweeteners that have been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.

• Table scraps. Sauces, gravies, meat fats or skins can be especially hard to digest and can cause pancreatitis. Bones can cause choking or intestinal blockage.

Keep an eye on the trash cans too! If your pets can access the trash, they will more than likely start digging and could accidentally eat food that could hurt them. If you think your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, look out for the following signs: sudden behavior changes, depression, pain, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.

If your pet has any of these signs, call your veterinarian or nearest veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Be aware of the dangers in holiday decorations. First up - the Christmas tree. This is a huge hazard for pets. Pets can break or swallow the beautiful ornaments hanging on your tree, causing injuries or intestinal blockages or illnesses. The tinsel, ribbons, lights and other decorative materials are very tempting for pets to play with and eat. These items also can cause choking or intestinal blockages.

Also, don’t forget about wreaths, flowers, plants and holiday greens, which can be toxic. If you have a real tree, the water base of that tree could contain dangerous chemicals that could harm your pet.

Like to burn candles or sit by the fire? Be careful! Unattended candles can be knocked over by a wagging tail or unsuspecting pet, spilling wax or even starting a fire. If you use Firestarter logs in your fireplace, beware. The logs contain sawdust and paraffin, which can cause an irritated stomach or even intestinal blockage when ingested.

The final thing to consider is how your pets will behave when you are not around. Unplug all decorations when you leave the house – and keep your furry friends in a safe place where they can’t get into trouble.

Sources:
American Veterinary Medical Association
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Humane Society