Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pets

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebration—but it can also bring unique risks for your furry friends. At Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield, your pet’s safety is our top priority. To ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your pets, we’ve compiled some essential holiday safety tips.

Remember, we’re here for you after hours in case of any emergency needs during the holidays.

1. Pet-Proof Your Holiday Decor

Festive decorations can be enticing but hazardous to curious pets.

• Christmas Tree Safety: Secure your tree to prevent tipping and avoid using fragile glass ornaments or decorations with sharp edges.
• Tinsel and Ribbon: These are choking hazards and can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Opt for pet-safe decorations.
• Electrical Cords and Lights: Keep cords hidden or out of reach to prevent chewing and potential electric shocks.

2. Be Aware of Toxic Holiday Plants

Some traditional holiday plants can be harmful to pets.

• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic and may cause upset stomachs.
• Mistletoe and Holly: More dangerous, potentially causing severe gastrointestinal upset or cardiovascular problems.
• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.

Use artificial plants or pet-safe options to decorate safely.

3. Keep Holiday Treats Away from Pets

The holiday table is often loaded with tempting treats, but some foods can be toxic to your pets.

• Toxic Foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything containing xylitol can be harmful.
• Bones and Fatty Foods: Cooked bones can splinter, and fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis.
• Alcohol and Caffeine: Even small amounts can be dangerous for pets.

Instead, provide your pets with veterinarian-approved holiday treats.

4. Provide a Safe Space

Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, especially with unfamiliar guests and noise.

• Create a quiet area with their bed, toys, and water where they can relax.
• Keep pets away from high-traffic areas or noisy celebrations.
• Consider using calming sprays or pheromone diffusers if your pet is prone to anxiety.

5. Supervise Guests and Pets

If you’re hosting holiday gatherings, be mindful of interactions between guests and pets.

• Secure Doors: Prevent accidental escapes by supervising doors when guests arrive or leave.
• Educate Guests: Ensure visitors know not to feed pets table scraps or leave food within reach.

6. Plan for Emergency Situations

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Be prepared:

• Recognize Emergency Signs: Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or signs of poisoning (e.g., drooling or lethargy).
• Know Where to Go: Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield is open late-night after hours to provide expert care for your pet in any emergency situation.

We’re Here for You—After Hours Emergency Care

At Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield, we understand that emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we’re available after hours throughout the holiday season. If your pet experiences any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately for expert care.

Happy Holidays from Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield!

With a little preparation and caution, you can ensure a joyful, stress-free holiday for your furry friends. Remember, we’re here for you whenever you need us—day or night.

🎄 Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy holiday season! 🐾