If you’re a pet owner, you should consider how festive plants, lighting and other changes around the house might impact the safety of your pets.
1. Be sure all cords are taped down or completely out of reach for your pets as they can trip on them, chew them up or even experience an electric shock.
2. Remember, dogs can’t eat chocolate so make sure it is out of reach. Also, animals that ingest alcoholic beverages can experience nausea or an upset stomach.
3. The holidays are filled with tons of parties and activities that often change up our daily routines. Try to keep your pets on their regular daily routine because they don’t adapt to change very well.
4. Cats and dogs enjoy playing with dangling decorations and could knock over a tree or a glass ornament. Dogs may use a tree the same way they would outside, as an area to relieve themselves. If a pet accidentally eats a hook, ornament or tinsel, he could experience intestinal problems. Animals may also drink out of the water bowl that the tree sits in, so avoid adding chemicals to make the tree last longer.
5. Pets could easily mistake a string of lights as a toy. Unfortunately, this could lead to choking or other accidents.
6. Although lighting scented candles is a great way to get in the holiday spirit, be sure to keep all flames and fires away from pets. They may get curious around a lit flame, which could lead to accidentally knocking the candle over.
7. There are many holiday plants that are dangerous for your pets. Common items such as mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and lilies can be poisonous to your dog or cat. Certain plants affect different animals and breeds in unique ways. Be sure to research how your specific pet(s) is affected by different plant species.
8. Make sure ID tags include your current address and contact information. Guests aren’t always familiar with the day-to-day pet rules and could present opportunities where your pet could escape the house.
9. Many pets have an area or room where they feel safe. This is especially important for your pet’s security during the holidays when there are many strangers around, as well as lots of loud noises.
10. Always have the contact information for your veterinarian, a 24-hour pet hospital, and the Animal Poison Control Center easily accessible.
Source: ADT Security Services and Allstate