Holidays can be a ton of fun, but they can also present quite a few dangers for our furry (and non-furry) friends.

So, we’ve got tips to keep your pets safe and happy this holiday season. Check it out:

4 Holiday Pets Safety Tips

The holidays can be a dangerous time of year for your pets.

Pet safety is important!

So, here are some tips to keep your furry loved ones safe this year.

If you want to take your furry family holiday shopping with you, check out dog friendly shopping locations. Or, explore gift ideas for pet lovers.

Keep Your Eye on Food

Food is a huge part of the holidays.

Between baking gifts, hosting holiday parties. and receiving edible gifts from others- this is a yummy time of year.

All these holiday treats can be as tempting for your pets as they are for us. Be sure you keep any harmful foods out of reach.

Signs that your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t have include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking, depression, lethargy, coordination issues, or tremors.

If your pet is acting funny and you think they’ve ingested something dangerous, Mission Med Vet is a 24/7 emergency vet hospital in KC.

Below is a list of holiday foods poisonous to dogs and cats:

Foods not suitable for pets include; Alcohol, avocado, chocolate (baking and dark chocolate are the most dangerous), caffeine, citrus, coconut, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, dairy, nuts, onions, garlics and chives, raw meat, raw bones or raw eggs, salt, xylitol and yeast dough.

Décor is Dangerous

Holiday decorations and pet safety = sparkly and festive decor becoming a menacing monster in plain sight…waiting to attack your fur babies when your back is turned.

Trees, tinsel, gift wrap, poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and salt dough ornaments. These are the big hazards for choking, so try to keep them up high.

Christmas trees- Try to keep your pets out of them.

If you have a live tree, be sure to vacuum up any needles that fall so that no one eats them. Keep light cords tucked away.

Tinsel- If you still use tinsel, keep it high. It is bad if ingested. This goes for that tinsel like string popular for gift wrap too.

From personal experience I can tell you, if your cat swallows some, DO NOT pull it out! It can cut and damage their throats and intestines. Cut it close to their mouth if they haven’t had much and call Mission Med Vet immediately.

Poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are all poisonous to animals so be sure to put them where your pets cannot get to them. Finally, salt is very bad for dogs. Be sure to keep those handmade salt dough ornaments way high on the tree, or elsewhere because they can be fatal if ingested.

Pet Hotels Can Help 

Whether you are hosting guests or you are the guest, you may want to consider boarding your pets.

With people coming and going from your home during the holidays, it can be easy for a pet to get out. Or, if your dog gets anxious with lots of people around or with a lot of noise.

Sometimes, it can be easier on them to stay the night at a doggy hotel. If you will not be able to get home to them, due to drinking (please don’t drive) consider boarding, or asking a neighbor to check in.

Weather

As the temperature goes down, it gets dangerous for pets to spend too much time outside.

Make sure you don’t leave your dog or their only source of water outdoors. If you don’t have a heated bowl it can freeze.

Leaving your pets, even in the garage is not a good option. Please make a plan for your pets when figuring out your holiday activities.

Bonus: Do’s & Don’ts of Pet Gifts

In order to keep the fur baby’s tail wagging, check out these do’s and don’ts of giving your furry family gifts.

DO: give your pets quality toys that are suitable for their breed – size being important. Be sure the toys are not too small or too big for your fur babies.

If large dogs get a hold of tiny toys, they can be choking hazards.

DON’T: give your pet a “non-pet” toy such as a stuffed animals or children’s toys.  These materials won’t withstand the teeth your pet has and will tear easily.

These toys also may have small, sharp pieces that can harm pets.

DON’T: leave children’s toys on the ground.

If you have small children, be sure their toys are not left on the ground for animals to eat or bite.

DO: purchase treats from a reputable bakery with high quality ingredients.

By purchasing from a baker, you can ensure the quality of the treats you are feeding your fur family. You can find many in the Kansas City area.  We recommend PawsAbilities, a local bakery where all treats are made right here in Kansas City.  Moreover, PawsAbilities’ dog treats are made, designed, sold and delivered with love by individuals with special needs.

DON’T: give pets as gifts unless you have previously talked about it (& your good at keeping secrets).

Pets are a lifelong commitment. Individuals should be deciding if a pet is right for them, so it is best to consult with the recipient before giving such a present. Particularly, never give a dog, cat, or other animal as a surprise.

Pets are a special part of every family. And with a little planning, they can have a happy and safe holiday season with you and the rest of your family.

We at iPetsKC wish you and your pets a very happy holiday!

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From our furry family to yours, iPetsKC