The holidays can be a lot of fun, but they can also be dangerous for our furry friends. From decorations and plants to food and visitors, there are many things that could harm your pets if you’re not careful. Here at Stoneridge Animal Hospital, our Edmond veterinarians want to help your pet avoid injuries and illnesses during the holidays. To ensure that your four-legged family members have a safe and happy holiday season, let’s take a look at some of the most common pet hazards. 

Holiday Decorations 

Holiday decorations can be hazardous for pets in two ways. First, there is the potential for physical harm from things like tinsel or ornaments with small parts. Ingesting either of these items could cause intestinal blockage or choking, which can be dangerous for your pet. Second, electrical cords and lights need to be kept away from curious pets as they can cause burns or electric shock if chewed on. Keep potentially dangerous items of pet’s reach, and never leave them unsupervised around your holiday decor.

Holiday Plants 

Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly berries, lilies…these are all beautiful plants associated with the holiday season—but they are also toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Make sure to keep these plants out of reach of your pet’s mouth by placing them in elevated planters or hanging them high on the wall out of reach. Better yet, choose pet-safe alternatives instead to eliminate the risk altogether. 

Food Treats & Leftovers  

While it may be tempting to share some of your favorite human treats with your pet during the holidays, it’s important to remember that not all human foods are safe for animals. Chocolate and raisins are particularly bad for pets, so make sure that any treats containing those ingredients are well out of reach! Additionally, bones from poultry or ham should never be given to pets as they can splinter easily in their stomachs and cause internal damage. 

Finally, even if you think it’s perfectly ok for your pet to eat something off your plate (like turkey skin) remember that fatty foods aren’t always good for them. In fact, ingesting too much fat can lead to pancreatitis. If you don’t want to end up needing to contact us to schedule an appointment for your pet this holiday season, your best bet is to keep them on their regular diet. 

Closing Thoughts from Your Pet’s Edmond Veterinarian

This holiday season is full of joy and cheer—but it is also full of potential hazards for our furry friends. Make sure you keep an eye out for decorations and plants that could pose a risk to your pet. Keep human food treats away from them as much as possible, and make sure their diet remains consistent during the holidays as well. With these tips in mind, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!