The holidays are right around the corner which means this is a festive time of year for you and your dog. From decorating gingerbread houses, making hot chocolate, and decorating the tree, what could be better? Since there are many activities and constant distractions during the holiday season, there are potential hazards to our furry friends that can easily get overlooked. It’s important to take the necessary preventative measures to protect your pet this holiday season so you can avoid all mishaps from occurring.
Here are the top 5 holiday hazards for your pet:
Ornaments and Tinsel
Although tinsel is nontoxic, it is very appealing to pets because it reflects light and easily moves in the wind. If tinsel is consumed by your dog it can cause serious injuries if not caught in time. The tinsel will twist and bundle together inside your dog’s intestines which could be fatal. In this scenario, immediately take your dog to the vet to receive proper medical care.
Additionally, ornaments are brightly colored and can attract your dog’s attraction. It’s a great idea to place glass, paper, and aluminum ornaments higher up on the tree because dogs can chew and swallow on these delicate decorations. Once an ornament is broken it forms sharp edges that can cut your dog’s mouth, throat, and intestines. They can also cut your dog’s paws if they happen to fall on the floor. If an ornament suddenly falls to the ground, be quick to clean up the pieces because the sharp edges can not only harm your dog, but can also harm you if you aren’t careful.
Candles and Small Lights
Dangling, twinkling, and shiny holiday lights can also be a potential hazard to your furry companion. If you have pets that like to chew, it’s very important to get these lights out of each. If a pet were to bite down on the electric cord, they could experience an electric shock, deep cuts on the tongue, and in some cases death. For safety measures use a grounded 3-prong extension cord.
If you have candles on display during the holiday season, put them in places that are hard to reach. Pets are curious creatures and they can burn themselves if they are not careful.
Gift Wrap Ribbon
Once you and your family are done opening presents, discard all decorative ribbons and bows so your dog won’t get tempted to chew and/or swallow them. This can be a choking hazard and can lead to ribbons twisting in your dog’s intestines. Remember to be extra careful with your gift wrapping this holiday season!
Food Risks
The holidays are the best time for all your favorite meals and treats, but most of these goodies are not okay for your dog to consume. Some of the big ones include chocolate, nuts, and bones. It’s also important to remind your holiday guests not to feed your dog with their extra food. Keep your pet on their regular diet or if you are looking to bake them something special, look up some pet-friendly recipes that are safe and easy to make!
Holiday Plants
Holiday plants are a fun way to decorate your home during the holiday festivities, but some of these plants can be poisonous to your furry friend. Some plants to be aware of are Christmas tree pine needles, Holly, Mistletoe, and Poinsettia.
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