Posted on 2nd Dec 2011 @ 12:27 PM

Holiday season is here, and with it comes snow, family, and decorations. While you may be having a blast catching up with cousins and eating your aunt’s famous dessert, your dog or cat could be in serious danger from Christmas lights, strange foods, and people he does not know. Here are some tips to make your holidays safe and fun for you and your pets.

Table scraps – If you are hosting the festivities, be sure to tell your guests not to feed the animals. You never know how much they are eating, or what their little snacks consist of. Be on the watch especially for these foods:

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Grapes/raisins
• Cooked bones
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Alcohol

Garbage – Be sure to keep the garbage in a cupboard or other place that is out of reach of the animals, and be sure to take it outside immediately to avoid any accidents.

Antifreeze – even a little bit is toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure that there is no chance of your pets coming into contact with it.

Decorations – Christmas lights and tinsel may be beautiful, but they are dangerous attractions for your pet. Dogs and cats will chew on electric cords and suffer electrical shock, and tinsel can get stuck in intestinal tracts, causing some serious vet bills. You should also be aware of where you are placing other decorations, such as:

• Candles
• Artificial snow
• Fasteners (staples, glue, hooks, etc.)
• Poisonous plants (holly, ivy, Christmas Cactus, mistletoe, poinsettia)

Tree – There can be several dangers on your Christmas tree. Be aware of where you are placing ornaments and other decorations, keeping lights and glass pieces away from the bottom of the tree. Be sure to securely anchor your tree, so kitty cannot climb into it and knock it over, and stay away from edible ornaments such as popcorn or cranberry strands. You should also be sure to keep dogs and cats away from the water feeding your tree, as it can contain harmful pesticides, fertilizers, and antifreeze.

Travel – If you are planning on celebrating the holidays at someone else’s house, be sure to have your dog secured in the car, either in a crate or with a buckling leash. If your dog does not travel well or you are going someplace that is not dog friendly, consider boarding. Be sure to investigate your options carefully before choosing a boarder.

And the most important thing of all is to be sure you spend some quality time with your pet. Holidays can be very hectic, and you being distracted with other things can cause stress and anxiety for your pet. Be sure to plan some walks or daily massages, so your canine and feline friends know that they are still high up on your list of priorities. That will help ease their stress for the season, and ensure an easier holiday for everyone.