Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners: Keeping Your Pets Safe Around Seasonal Decor

December is a season of festive cheer, filled with twinkling lights, beautiful decorations, and a fresh pine scent in the air. While these additions can make our homes feel cosy and inviting, they can also create unexpected hazards for our furry family members. From toxic plants to tempting tinsel, it’s essential to take a few precautions to keep our pets safe amidst the holiday excitement.

Be cautious with festive plants

Holiday favourites like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly add a natural touch to our decor, but they can pose risks to pets. Poinsettias, although not as poisonous as once thought, can still cause stomach upset if chewed. Mistletoe and holly, however, are genuinely toxic and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse if ingested. If you have pets that tend to nibble, consider opting for pet-safe plants or even realistic faux alternatives.

Christmas lights and electric cords
Twinkling lights are one of the joys of the season, but they come with a risk of electric shock, particularly for pets who chew. Cats, in particular, may find dangling lights and cords irresistible. Avoid placing lights within easy reach of curious pets, or use cord covers to minimise access. Battery-operated LED lights can also provide a safer alternative, especially for tabletop displays.

Watch out for tinsel and ribbons
Cats, especially, are drawn to shiny, swaying objects like tinsel. However, if ingested, tinsel can cause serious intestinal blockages that require surgery. Ribbon, too, poses a risk, particularly during gift-wrapping marathons. To avoid a vet visit over the holidays, consider skipping the tinsel and keeping ribbons well out of reach.

Fragile ornaments and glass baubles
Ornaments bring that quintessential holiday charm to our trees, but fragile or glass decorations can be hazardous. Pets knocking down or batting at low-hanging ornaments can cause glass to shatter, leading to potential injuries. To prevent accidents, hang delicate ornaments higher up on the tree or switch to shatterproof options. Always avoid edible ornaments like gingerbread or candy canes, as these can tempt pets to chew.

Making Your Home Pet-Safe for the Holidays
Taking a few simple steps to pet-proof your holiday decor can make a huge difference in keeping your pet safe this season. Securing decorations, opting for safer plants, and eliminating enticing but dangerous items can allow you and your pets to enjoy a joyful, stress-free holiday.

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Fri Dec 6 2024