Dining on delicious food, indulging in creamy treats, and decking the halls with holly- these are all part of many homes' Christmas traditions. But what about our pets? While giving them a taste of your Christmas goodies is tempting, doing so could be dangerous for them. So before you share your holiday treats and shiny decor with your pet, here are some things to consider.

 

1. Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are common in many homes during the holiday season, but they can present a hazard to pets. The tree needles can poke and prick your pet, which may cause discomfort or even infection. Pets can get hurt if the tree falls over, and chemicals used to preserve the tree may be dangerous if ingested.

The best way to keep your pet safe is by completely keeping them away from it. You can do this by keeping your tree in a place where your pet won't be able to get to it. Consider using a stand that will keep the tree off the ground and away from paws and teeth. A barricade around the tree can also help keep pets away.

 

2. Candy & Other Sweets 

Most candy contains xylitol, a sweetener that can be toxic to dogs and cats. The most common symptoms of xylitol poisoning in pets are vomiting and diarrhea, but it can also cause lethargy, weakness, collapse and even seizures.

Chocolate can also make your pet very sick. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause your pet to vomit and have diarrhea. Theobromine is also a cardiac stimulant and can cause heart arrhythmias in dogs.

Candy, especially chocolate, should always be kept out of your pet's reach

 

3. Tinsel And Ribbons

Although tinsel and colourful ribbons are festive and can be enjoyed by people, they pose a danger to pets if they eat them. If your pet swallows one of the small pieces or strings that make up tinsel, one end may get stuck in its throat while the rest gets pulled into their intestines, which could damage internal organs as well as cause serious blockages. Tinsel ingestion may require emergency surgery. Keep ribbons and tinsel away from your pets to avoid this risk.

 

4. Poultry Bones

Turkey and chicken bones are also a no-no for pets. While it's usually okay for our pets to gnaw on bones if they remain whole, their teeth can splinter them into sharp pieces that cause choking or injure internal organs.

Cooked poultry bones are more brittle than raw ones, so leftover scraps of cooked meat can be hazardous. If you want to feed your pet some turkey, remove the bones before serving.

 

5. Holly And Mistletoe

These festive plants are more than just decorations. Holly and mistletoe are poisonous to pets and should be kept away at all times.

 

Holly: Ingesting this plant can cause mouth irritation, vomiting or diarrhea. The leaf's spikes could also leave nasty scratches.

Mistletoe: Most animals that consume mistletoe develop no adverse reactions, but some show signs of drooling and a tummy ache. Other symptoms, such as wobbliness or seizures, may occur in rare cases.

 

The Pet Resort - Dunwoody Would Love To Care For Your Pet Over The Holidays!

Our spacious indoor and outdoor play areas and accommodations for your pet will make their stay with us a fantastic one. We offer pet boarding, grooming and bathing services to ensure that your dog or cat is comfortable while you are away on holiday.

Need a safe & fun place for your pet to stay during the holidays? Book your pet's boarding appointment now before we book up!