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Holiday Hazards

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Chelsea Smales

Pets are family members, and many people want to include them in the holiday festivities. 🎄

Here are a few things you should know to keep your pet safe, and everyone happy during this time of year:

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Decorations on a Christmas tree attract the eyes of everyone, including your four-legged friend. It may be tempting for them to take a closer look, so make sure your tree is anchored securely to avoid any falling hazards.

Mistletoe and Holly

These classic holiday plants may make you want to get up close and personal, but to a dog, if ingested, can cause a severe upset stomach. This includes vomiting and diarrhea; something that neither your pooch or you want during the holiday season.

Making Spirits Bright

Christmas time just isn’t the same without the wondrous glow of Christmas lights. Whether they are inside or out, be sure to keep all wires tucked away and out of reach of your pet.

If chewed on, wires can give a nasty electrical shock and leave burns in their sensitive mouths and esophagus. Your pet can also get tangled in the wires, and cause injury to their limbs and other body parts.

Sweets and Meats

What are the holidays without copious amounts of food?! While eating large amounts of chocolate and turkey only affect our waistline, to a dog it can be very dangerous.

Chocolate and sweets with xylitol can be toxic to dogs. Usually causing some gastrointestinal upset, but it can also cause neurological impairment and can be fatal.

High-fat meats and other fixings can have an effect on your pooch’s digestive system, causing GI upset, and can lead to an inflamed pancreas. This can leave you with costly medical bills and one sick puppy.

If you follow these tips and keep your pet safe this holiday, it means everyone can enjoy this magical time of year!