November 20, 2024 (AUSTIN, Texas) – The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones, but it also comes with hidden dangers for our furry companions. From festive foods that can harm pets to decorations that spark curiosity, knowing how to navigate these potential pitfalls is key. With expert insights and practical advice, Thrive Pet Healthcare is here to help you keep your pets safe while celebrating the magic of the season.
“Holidays bring changes to our routines, and those changes can be stressful or even dangerous for pets,” said Dr. Anthony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Vice President of Emergency Medicine. “With some preparation, you can keep your pets safe while enjoying precious time with family and friends.”
Deck the Halls – Carefully!
While holiday decorations brighten the season, they can tempt curious pets.
Secure your Christmas tree: Cats like to climb trees; Christmas trees are no exception. Anchor your Christmas tree to prevent tipping. Opt for shatterproof ornaments and avoid tinsel, which can cause blockages if ingested.
Choose pet-safe plants: Festive favorites like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are toxic to pets. Choose pet-safe alternatives like rosemary or Christmas cactus.
Avoid open flames: Swap candles for flameless options to prevent burns or accidental fires.
Keep potpourri and scented oils out of reach: Popular during the holidays, these fragrant additions can be toxic to pets and may even cause chemical burns. Store them securely, especially if you have curious cats.
Holiday Foods: The Naughty List
Some holiday foods can lead to emergency vet visits if ingested. Keep these away from your pets:
Chocolate: Baking, semi-sweet and dark chocolate are most harmful to pets. They contain theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic.
Turkey bones and trimmings: May cause choking, intestinal blockages or pancreatitis.
Alcohol: Even small amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning. Avoid alcohol-containing foods like rum-soaked cake and raw bread dough with yeast. Dogs and cats often will investigate and sometimes drink glasses of alcoholic beverages that may be left unattended at gatherings.
Raisins, grapes and currants: Found in fruitcakes, cookies, and charcuterie boards. These can cause kidney failure.
Onions and garlic: Even small amounts can lead to severe health complications, including anemia and organ damage.
Xylitol: A sugar substitute in baked goods, gums and candies that can cause low blood sugar, seizures and liver failure in dogs.
Instead, treat your pets to safe options like unseasoned cooked turkey (no skin or bones), plain sweet potatoes, canned or fresh pumpkin (not pie filling), or plain green beans.
Managing Guests and Gatherings
The excitement of visitors can be overwhelming for pets. Create a quiet, secure space where your pet can retreat if they need a break. Supervise interactions with young children who may not know how to handle pets appropriately.
If you’re traveling, ensure your pet is comfortable with the trip. Also, bringing your pets with you may not be the best idea if you go to someone else's home. Their home might not be safe for pets, or their pets could be territorial and potentially not welcome your pets. Boarding or hiring a pet sitter may be a better option.
Watch for Warning Signs
If your pet shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a lack of appetite, they may have ingested something harmful. Call your veterinarian immediately or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
“Most holiday pet emergencies involve ingesting turkey bones or harmful foods,” Dr. Coronado explains. “Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early action can save your pet’s life.”
Enjoying the Holidays Together
With a little preparation, your pets can safely join in the holiday fun. “The holidays are a special time for families, including our pets,” says Dr. Coronado. “By staying mindful of common risks, you can ensure the season is filled with happy memories—not unexpected vet visits.”
Visit
thrivepetcare.com to find a location near you, including primary, specialty, emergency, and urgent veterinary care services.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service community that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
