Holiday Safety Tips

In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to forget that the festivities can be stressful and even dangerous for pets. This holiday season, the PetSmart veterinary team is offering pet parents some timely tips for making sure their pets stay safe and healthy. PetSmart Pet Experts are available for interviews.

Deck the halls with tape and cord covers, fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la. Holiday lights mean extra electrical cords and plugs. To household pets, these items can present quite tempting “chew toys.” Taking an extra minute or two during decorating to tape down or cover cords will help prevent shocks, burns or more serious injuries.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how anchored are your branches? Christmas trees are sure to attract a pet’s attention. Secure Christmas trees to keep them from toppling over if a pet should try to climb them, use them as a scratching post or simply bump into them. Anchoring the top of the tree to the ceiling with a strong cord will help keep it in place around frolicking pets. Keep tinsel decorations high on the tree. Cats are inclined to eat tinsel hanging from trees, with the potential for causing an intestinal obstruction.

Bells are ringing, children singing… pets need a quiet place to retreat. During holiday parties, pets may not understand why their usually quiet home is filled with people and noise. Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat. This way, they can choose whether to come out and visit or keep to themselves, helping them be more at ease.

I'll be home for Christmas. . . if I have an ID. Keep an eye on pets when doors are opening and closing frequently. And all pets should wear ID tags because they easily can slip out in all of the commotion.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… aren’t good for pets. Pet parents often think they’re “treating” their pets with table scraps from their holiday meals. The danger, say PetSmart veterinarians, is that dogs do not have the same digestive system or nutritional needs as people. Products like turkey-flavored rawhide are made especially for pets and make a safe, appropriate holiday treat. Chocolate contains the heart stimulant theobromine, and in small quantities can be toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, comas and, in large quantities, even death.

Oh by gosh, by golly, don't let them eat mistletoe and holly. Mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia plants can be poisonous to pets, causing severe upset stomachs. Pine needles can puncture holes in a pet’s intestine and create an emergency visit to the vet. Repellent sprays help keep pets away from areas and objects that may cause them harm. Oh, the weather outside is frightful. With a sweater on, I'm just delightful. For the most part, pets should stay warm and indoors during the cold winter months. Smaller dogs may not adjust as well to the weather change, so pet parents may consider heating pads or sweaters to keep their pets comfortable. Pet parents can ask their vet for good ideas on "winterizing" pets.

Do you smell what I smell? As winter approaches, many people get their cars ready by changing the antifreeze. However, many pet parents don’t realize how dangerous contact with antifreeze can be for pets – dogs are attracted to antifreeze spills by its sweet smell and taste. Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most common among dogs. Prevention is key: when changing the coolant in your car, clean up all spills immediately. Be sure the antifreeze container is securely closed. And, address a leaking radiator right away.

Over the river and through the woods… for families and pets on the go. Pet parents boarding pets during the holiday travel season should look for facilities that are clean, with a friendly staff and strict policies on health and safety issues. Visit the facility ahead of time, meet the staff, check the cleanliness, confirm that the facility has 24-hour supervision and an on-call vet.

For pet parents traveling with their pets, research can be done in advance to find hotels that accept pets. AAA offers a travel guidebook with this information. Here are some additional tips for travel:

 Visit your veterinarian within 10 days of departure to make sure your pet is healthy and current on vaccinations. Remember to get a copy of the pet’s health records from the vet, most airlines and boarding facilities require proof of immunization/vaccination and if necessary, an interstate Health Certificate.

 Many products are available to keep pets safe in the car, including car harnesses and barriers for SUVs that keep pets in the back of the vehicle. For air travel, there are several different kinds of airline-approved carriers and crates.

 Because travel can be a stressful experience, always have plenty of water available for pets. High stress levels and little water can accelerate dehydration. If your pet is unusually anxious, talk to your vet about prescription or over-the-counter relaxants that may help keep him or her calm for the trip.

Whether you're staying at home playing host to friends and neighbors this season, or traveling across country to spend the holiday with loved ones, your family's health and safety is important. Following these tips will help keep your four-legged family members safe and healthy, too.