Holiday Pet Hazards

The holiday season has arrived! This is a very special time of year, and one that many of us look forward to. However, the holidays can be dangerous for pets. You’ll want to take a few precautions to keep your furry friend safe. Read on as a New Orleans, LA vet lists some common holiday dangers for pets.

Food is one of the biggest concerns at this time of year. Your faithful pet definitely deserves a special snack, but be careful. Many of those delicious seasonal favorites are toxic to pets. Never give your furry pal anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; avocado; chocolate; mushrooms; nuts; caffeine; or xylitol. Meat on the bone is also unsafe, as are raw meat, dough, and yeast; pitted fruits; grapes, currants, and raisins; and anything that has a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your vet for more information.

Mistletoe, holly, ivy, poinsettia, yew, and lilies are all toxic to our four-legged friends. Consider getting fake ones instead. If you do get real ones, make sure your pet can’t get to them.

Our animal companions are very playful, which is one reason that they are so cute. However, they don’t know what is and isn’t safe for them. (Some pets also seem to gravitate towards the things that aren’t safe, but that’s another topic.) Tinsel, ribbons, fragile ornaments, ornament hooks, pine needles, electric lights, and garlands are all hazardous to frisky pets, as is anything small and/or sharp. Hang these things out of paw’s reach, and immediately pick up any that drop to the floor.

Candles, fireplaces, and potpourri burners all help your home seem nice and cozy. However, these things are not safe for pets. Keep these items in spots Fluffy and Fido can’t reach!

Loud noises, guests, traveling, commotion, and changes in schedule or environment can all be hard on our furry buddies. Make sure your pet has a comfy spot to retreat to if they feel anxious. When know or suspect that things may get loud—such as on New Year’s Eve, when fireworks are a concern—put your pet there with bedding, toys, and treats. Turn a TV or radio on to mask the noise.

Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your New Orleans, LA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!