The holiday season is upon us! As the seasonal hustle and bustle ramps up into full swing, many dogs and cats will be enjoying special treats or playing with new toys. Just keep your pet’s safety in mind. This can be a dangerous time of year for our furry pals! Read on as a Columbia, MD vet lists some holiday pet hazards.

Food

Seasonal feasts and treats are a big part of many holiday traditions. Your pet may very well put on their most theatrical begging performance in the hopes of scoring a special snack. Go ahead and offer your furry companion a yummy treat. Cooked, plain meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat is always a good option. Never give Fido or Fluffy anything that contains chocolate, nuts, alcohol, caffeine, or xylitol. Garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are unsafe as well, and are a particular concern as they can be found in many dishes that would otherwise be safe. Pitted fruits, especially avocados, are also toxic to pets, as are meat on the bone; raw meat, dough, and yeast; and grapes, currants, and raisins.

Decorations

Keep your furry buddy in mind as you decorate your home. Wreaths, garlands, tinsel, and ribbons can all choke or entangle frisky pets. Breakable ornaments and ornament hooks are also hazardous, as are electric light strings. Plants are another thing to be aware of. Many seasonal plants, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies, are poisonous to our four-legged pals. Pine needles, both real and fake, are dangerous as well. Last but not least, keep candles and potpourri burners in spots that your pet can’t reach.

Guests

Guests may not pose a direct threat, but they can inadvertently slip up. For example, young children and/or people without furry friends of their own may not know what is and is not safe for pets. They may accidentally offer Fido or Fluffy a toy or treat that isn’t suitable for them. It’s also very easy for pets to dash out through an open door, or get underfoot and accidentally get stepped on. Keep a close eye on your four-legged pal. We recommend setting a few ground rules, and asking visitors not to feed or discipline your fuzzy pal without your consent.

Please contact us, your Columbia, MD vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!