Pet Owners here are Important Pet Christmas Safety Tips to keep in mind this coming holidays.
As we are all in the middle of this pandemic, most probably you will be staying with your pets at home during the Christmas season. Best to take note of what you should do and what to avoid.
Pet Christmas Safety Tips: Pet-Proof Your Christmas Tree
The main Christmas icon in your home is the Christmas tree. Make sure that you pet-proof it by anchoring your tree securely to the ceiling with a hook so your pets will not tip it over.
Pet-proofing your Christmas tree is not just securing the tree itself but the ornaments as well. Your Christmas tree decorations may look nice and elegant but to your pet’s eyes, these can be seen as treats or toys.
If possible, place your Christmas tree in an area that you can close off from your pets when you are not around. Or you can use a playpen or baby gate to bar off the pets from getting near the tree. And make sure that there are people around when the pets are near the Christmas tree.
Keep The Tinsel Out of Reach
One of the common Christmas decors in the pinoy culture is the tinsel. You know, those long glittery strips that come in different colors you put around the Christmas tree or outline your doors and windows.
But this is a dangerous decor especially if you have a cat in the house. Cats – naturally curious – want to check out these sparkly things. A small nibble and swallow of these tinsels can obstruct their digestive tract leading to other complications.
If you really want to use tinsels, make sure they are out of reach to your cats. But if you can avoid putting them up on your tree and as trimmings, this is the best option.
Pet Christmas Safety Tips: Avoid Toxic Christmas Plants
For the pet owners who are also plantitas and platitos out there, see to it that the holiday plants are out of reach for your pets. Holly, Lilies and the Poinsettias are toxic to your cats and dogs.
There are Asian holly varieties that contain toxic saponins that can cause serious gastrointestinal distress when eaten.
Lilies can cause fatal kidney failure especially to cats with just a few bites of this plant.
Poinsettias, a popular Christmas plant here in the Philippines can pose danger to your pets as well. Its milky white sap can cause diarrhea, vomiting and drooling. Though only large amounts of this sap can cause these, still this can pose a threat to your pet’s health.
Secure Those Wires and Lights
Just like your Christmas tree and ornaments, keep those wires and lights out of your pet’s paw’s reach. Fasten the Christmas lights to the tree and keep the cords out of your pet’s mouth. Electrocution from electric wires can be fatal to your pets.
If you are fond of lighting candles in your home, be sure not to leave them unattended. You do not want your pet to cause fire because of candles getting knocked off from tables.
Pet Christmas Safety Tips: Keep Them Off Those Tempting Sweets
If you are a pet owner, you would know by now that sweets are a big no no for your pets especially chocolates. Other food you should avoid giving your pets are grapes/raisins and onions and those that contain xylitol or other toxic foods.
Aside from the food items that are not good for your pet, do not leave your alcoholic drinks where your pets can easily reach them. These drinks can cause respiratory failure to your pets.
Here is a summary of the Pet Christmas Safety Tips you can easily share with your fellow pet mommies and daddies:
Keep these safety tips to make sure you have a happy and accident free Christmas.
For New Year Safety Tips go here.
Travelling on Christmas? You can leave your pets with us. We offer Pet Boarding services. If you want to learn more about Pet Boarding and reserve your slot, you can call us at these numbers during hospital hours: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113. Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.
Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC
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