Winter Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Keep your pets safe and happy this Thanksgiving and Christmas with our essential winter holiday safety tips!

The winter holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, are magical times filled with family, friends, delicious food, and festive decorations. However, these joyful occasions can also pose risks to our beloved pets if we’re not careful. At ParaMount Pet Care, we want your holiday season to be safe, fun, and stress-free for everyone, furry friends included! Here are some essential tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during this special time.

Thanksgiving Tips for Pets

 

1. Keep the Table Food Out of Reach:

Thanksgiving meals often include foods that can be harmful to pets. Turkey skin, for example, is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Stuffing may contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to pets. Even small amounts of alcohol, chocolate, or raisins (common in holiday desserts) can have dangerous effects. Be vigilant about keeping your pet away from leftovers and use secure trash cans to prevent scavenging. For a detailed list on human foods that are toxic to pets, click here.

2. Avoid Giving Human Food as Treats:

It can be tempting to share holiday goodness, but always remember that pets have very different digestive systems. Instead, offer them treats made specifically for pets or consult your veterinarian for appropriate options. Sudden changes in diet can upset their stomach, leading to vomiting or diarrhea.

3. Watch Out for Decorative and Toxic Plants:

Holiday decorations like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and even certain Christmas tree varieties contain toxins that can cause vomiting, drooling, or more severe reactions in pets. If you use these plants in your décor, place them somewhere pets can’t reach and monitor any curious sniffing or chewing. For a detailed list on plants that are toxic to pets, click here.

4. Create a Safe Quiet Space:

Thanksgiving gatherings can be loud with many guests, music, and activity. Pets often get stressed with all the commotion. Set aside a quiet, comfortable room with their bed, toys, and water where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This space provides a comforting haven to reduce anxiety.

 

 

Christmas Tips for Pets

 

1. Protect Your Decor and Wrappings:

Pets are naturally curious and may play with tinsel, ribbons, or small decorations, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. Shatterproof ornaments and pet-safe decorations are great alternatives to fragile glass ones. After unwrapping gifts, dispose of wrapping paper, ribbons, and plastic promptly to avoid accidental ingestion.

2. Mind the Christmas Tree:

A Christmas tree is often a focal point in holiday decor, but it can be a hazard for pets. Make sure the tree is securely anchored to prevent tipping over. Pine needles from real trees can cause cuts in your pet’s mouth or stomach if ingested. Sweeping up fallen needles regularly and barring access to the tree base helps keep pets safe.

3. Be Careful with Candles and Hot Items:

Lit candles, fireplaces, and hot drinks add warmth and ambiance, but they also pose safety risks. Pets may accidentally knock over candles or get too close to heat sources, leading to burns or fires. Always place candles out of reach and supervise pets closely around open flames or hot surfaces.

4. Use Pet-Safe Plants and Decorations:

Use artificial or pet-safe greenery when decorating wreaths or garlands. Avoid using pesticides or chemicals on plants displayed indoors. This way, you avoid potential poisoning if your pet decides to nibble on the décor.

5. Give Your Pets a Gift of Comfort:

Amid the holiday hustle, pets appreciate comforts like a cozy new bed, interactive toys, or special treats designed for their dietary needs. These gifts can help reduce stress and provide mental stimulation, especially if guests or unusual activities disrupt their routine.

General Holiday Tips

• Secure All Doors and Windows: With guests coming and going, it’s easy for pets to slip outside unnoticed. Use baby gates or keep doors closed to prevent escapes, especially for nervous or shy pets.

• Limit Access to Food and Decorations: Designate “off limits” areas for pets to help reduce temptation and accidents. Create pet-free zones where holiday decorations and food are kept.

• Stay Mindful of Seasonal Hazards: During winter, watch for antifreeze spills (highly toxic), de-icing salts on sidewalks, and cold weather effects. Wipe your pets’ paws after walks to remove harmful substances and keep their skin healthy.

• Maintain Routine as Much as Possible: Holidays can disrupt normal schedules with late nights, travel, and visitors. Try to keep feeding, exercise, and bathroom routines consistent to help pets feel secure.

Celebrate Safely with Your Furry Friends!

The holidays are all about creating joyful memories, and that includes making sure your pets are safe and comfortable. With a little extra caution, planning, and love, you can enjoy the season’s festivities without worry.

From all of us at ParaMount Pet Care, happy holidays! May your days be filled with love, laughter, and wagging tails.

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Do you or someone you know need a pet sitter? Then look no further than ParaMount Pet Care! We are the leading pet care professionals in the Luzerne County area. All of our sitters are insured, bonded, trained in pet CPR & first aid, and dedicated to caring for your pets. 

We offer a wide variety of pet sitting services such as in-home pet sitting, routine dog walking, overnight stays, and more! Click here to see all of our services! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 570-814-1037. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. We post adorable pictures of pets everyday that you won’t want to miss!