6 Jolly Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe this Holiday Season
The holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. There are so many things to think about and plan that it’s easy to overlook a thing or two. This time of the year, many people let their guard down and overlook pet safety. From holiday parties, decorations, and extra food around the house, just to name a few, there are many things that could pose a threat to the family dog, cat and other pets.
Keep your pet safe and happy during the holidays using these tips:
Don’t leave them home alone for extended periods of time
Whether you are running errands after work, doing some holiday shopping or attending a party, keeping track of the time is important. Avoid leaving your pet at home alone for extended periods of time. They could get into things they are not supposed to, and they could have an accident.
Decorate with your pets in mind
Some decorations look delicious and fun to play with. For this reason alone, it’s important not to place holiday decoration in places where your pets can get access to them when you’re not looking. Tuck away all extension cords, keep breakables away from high traffic areas, and make sure ornaments on lower Christmas tree branches are not be breakable. If possible, use decorations that are pet friendly and pose less of a risk.
See:10 Home safety tips for putting up holiday decorations
Keep Christmas plants out of reach
Pets love plants. However, some Christmas plants, such as poinsettias, can be toxic for pets. If consumed, they could make your pet sick, and no one wants to pay an expensive vet bill this time of the year. Put the Christmas plants up and out of reach.
Avoid putting delicious treats under the tree
That box of chocolates you wrapped up and placed under the tree could be intercepted by your dog or cat before it gets to the intended recipient. Also be conscious of goodies in Christmas stockings. Chocolate and other treats can make your pets sick if they eat too much of it. Keep these items out of reach so they don’t get the attention of your pet.
Clean up gift wrap, ribbons, and other potential dangers to pets
Once all the gifts are opened, make sure you clean up all the gift wrap and ribbons, especially the smaller ones that could become choking hazards for your pet. Perhaps the best way to keep your pets occupied and less interested in the gift wrap is to get them their very own holiday toy or treat.
Protect your pets from outdoor weather
While your pets may want to spend hours playing in the snow, and you may want to take the dog for a walk to tucker them out before guests come over for dinner, make sure to take the proper precautions to protect them from the elements. Limit their exposure to the outdoors during the extreme cold.
Do you do anything different during the holidays to ensure your pets are safe? How do you keep your pets out of trouble during the holidays?