Keeping your Pets Healthy During Christmas

The festive season is approaching, and for many of you, it is time to warm up your spaces with beautiful lighting and thoughtful gifts under the Christmas tree. However, as you enjoy this time, it is paramount that you keep your furry friends safe and avoid an emergency trip to the veterinary. Here are some easy tips to prevent harm to your pets.

Christmas Trees 

While many people may choose to have a real Christmas tree displayed in their homes, as a responsible pet parent, you should be aware of the risks it can pose to your four-legged friend. Some plants, including mistletoe, Ivy, and Poinsettia, are toxic to pets even if swallowed in small quantities. The oils in these plants are known to cause gastrointestinal issues leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain in pets. 

How to keep your pet safe from Christmas trees

You can switch to artificial trees since they pose fewer risks to your pet. However, if you want to maintain the authentic Christmas feel, you can buy pet-safe Christmas trees designed by the manufacturers to prevent harm to your pet. Also, position your tree away from your pet’s reach on a small study table for stability. You can also use deterrents, such as citrus scents, especially since cats do not like the smell.

Decorations 

The extra shine and sparkle from the various Christmas decorations can harm your pets. Attractive tinsel and fairy lights are most undoubtedly irresistible to your pets. However, accidentally swallowing tinsel bits can cause gastrointestinal issues, which may require surgery. Mishandling of the fairy lights may cause electric shocks or burns. Chewing the copper wires can cause lung damage to your pets. Therefore, turn these declarations far from your pet’s reach and secure them properly with tape. 

Fires 

Nothing compliments the early cozy white Christmas winter than gathering around the fireplace with warm lights from scented candles. However, it goes without saying that fires can be a fatal risk to your pets, as they can lead to painful burns. To avoid the risk, you can place a screen in front of the fireplace to keep your pets from unexpectedly getting too close. Always place the candles on a high shelf away from your pet’s reach.

Conclusion

Creating that cozy, dimly-lit, warm atmosphere that comes with nostalgia may require some products that may cause harm to your furry friends. Therefore, you must be aware of the different risks and prevention methods to keep your pets away from home during the festive season

References: SPCA, Highfieldvetssurgery