As the frigid air settles in and the festive spirit begins to envelop our surroundings, many adjustments surface in our households and daily schedules. This thrilling time of the year brings joy and celebration, yet it is crucial to consider how these seasonal transformations impact our beloved pets. From managing their diet during rich holiday feasts to ensuring their comfort as the temperatures plummet, there are numerous aspects to keep in mind to safeguard the health and well-being of our furry companions.
Below are vital pet safety guidelines to observe during the bustling months of November and December:
1. Thanksgiving food hazards
Thanksgiving isn’t just a time for family reunions and sumptuous meals; it’s also a period when many traditional foods pose potential risks to our pets. Being mindful of a few food-related dangers can keep our four-legged friends safe while we enjoy our festivities.
- Turkey bones and skin: While plain, cooked turkey meat is safe in moderation, turkey skin is fatty and can potentially lead to pancreatitis, a serious health issue. Additionally, the bones can splinter, posing choking hazards or causing blockages and internal injuries.
- Stuffing and gravy: Many homemade stuffing recipes include onions, garlic, or other harmful seasonings, which can be toxic to pets. Rich gravies can upset their stomachs, leading to digestive concerns or conditions such as pancreatitis.
- Mashed potatoes: Any mashed potatoes laced with butter, cream, or garlic should be kept far from your pet’s reach. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can result in serious health issues.
- Chocolate and desserts: Chocolate poses a significant threat to both dogs and cats, while many sweets incorporate artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be lethal. Make sure to keep all sugary delights securely stored.
Fortunately, not all festive foods are off-limits. Some can be enjoyed by pets, granted they are offered in moderation.
- Cooked, unseasoned turkey: In reasonable portions, plain, boneless turkey meat serves as a delightful treat for your pet.
- Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and cooked sweet potatoes (without any added butter or seasoning) are not only safe but also nutritious choices.
- Pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin (steering clear of spiced pie fillings) can assist digestion and offer a tasty snack.
If you’re entertaining guests, take some time to inform them about your pet’s dietary restrictions as well.
2. Holiday decorations
The onset of November heralds the arrival of festive decorating. While this activity can inject joy into our homes, it also presents hazards that need careful attention to keep our pets safe.
Consider the following safety tips as you adorn your space for the holidays:
- Candles: Curious pets can easily knock over live flames, leading to potentially devastating burns or even house fires. Instead, opt for flameless candles, or keep your pets away from any lit candles.
- Electrical cords: Pets, especially lively puppies and curious kittens, may find exposed electrical cords irresistible to chew on. Utilizing cord protectors and unplugging cords when they’re not in use can help prevent accidents.
- Tinsel and ribbons: These shiny adornments may entice playful cats, but swallowing them can result in severe intestinal blockages. Ensure tinsel and ribbons are stored out of reach.
- Holiday plants: Certain festive plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, present toxic risks for pets if ingested. Consider using pet-safe artificial alternatives to avoid this hazard.
3. Cold weather considerations
As temperatures drop, it’s essential to adapt your pet’s care routine, particularly if you reside in regions that experience harsh winters or snowfall. Winterizing your pet goes beyond simply wrapping them in a cozy coat; it requires a comprehensive approach both indoors and outdoors to ensure their comfort.
- Limit time outside: Small, short-haired, or elderly pets shouldn’t be left outside for extensive periods when it’s cold. Even energetic breeds should have their outdoor escapades limited during the frigid months.
- Provide extra warmth: If your pet’s sleeping area is exposed to drafts, consider adding extra blankets or relocating their bed to a cozier spot. For some animals, particularly small breeds, a pet sweater or coat may be beneficial even if they primarily stay indoors.
- Check paws: After each walk, inspect your pet’s paws for snow, ice, or salt. Salt and de-icing products can irritate their paws and may be toxic if licked off. Employ pet-safe ice melt in your yard and clean their paws upon returning inside.
- Hydration and nutrition: Ensure your pet maintains proper hydration, as cold, dry air can lead to dehydration. Also, be prepared to adjust their food intake if they become less active during winter.
4. Fireplace and heater safety
Much like us, pets are drawn to the comforting warmth of a crackling fire or a cozy heater. Nonetheless, both open flames and heating devices come with inherent risks for animals.
- Fireplace screens: For those with wood-burning or gas fireplaces, using a protective screen is essential to prevent pets from straying too close to the flames.
- Space heaters: Ensure that space heaters are situated in areas where pets can’t easily topple them over. Some models offer automatic shut-off features, which are particularly advantageous for homes with pets.
5. Routine adjustments for less daylight
With the sun setting earlier, outdoor walks, and playtime now often take place in the dark. Be extra cautious during morning and evening hours to keep your pets safe.
- Reflective gear: For visibility to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, both you and your pet should be adorned in reflective gear. You can also find a light fixture to attach to your pet’s collar for added safety.
- Leashes: In dim conditions, it’s crucial to keep your pet leashed to steer clear of accidents and prevent them from wandering into hazardous areas.
The combination of colder weather, holiday festivities, and altered routines should elevate pet safety to the forefront of your priorities. While this may seem a daunting task, the extra measures you take are invaluable. With a few mindful adjustments, you can ensure that your pet’s holiday season is joyful, secure, and filled with delightful memories!
Have a question about pet health? Seeking to be the best pet parent possible? Discover valuable insights, tips, and reminders for providing exceptional care for your furry friends with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at drdevonsmith.com.
**Interview with Dr. Jane Willows, Veterinarian and Pet Safety Advocate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Willows. As the winter holidays approach, it’s essential for pet owners to consider the unique risks this season poses to their furry friends. Can you provide us with an overview of some common holiday hazards for pets?
**Dr. Willows:** Absolutely! With Thanksgiving and the December holidays, there’s a perfect storm of potential issues for pets. Firstly, many traditional holiday foods can be hazardous. Turkey bones and skin can lead to serious health problems like pancreatitis or internal injuries. Additionally, many holiday dishes contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, such as onions and garlic. It’s also crucial to remember that chocolate and sweets—especially those containing xylitol—are extremely toxic to both dogs and cats.
**Editor:** That’s very important information! If pet owners want to include their pets in the festivities without compromising their health, what safe food options could they consider?
**Dr. Willows:** Great question! Cooked, unseasoned turkey meat is a safe treat for pets in moderation. Vegetables like carrots and green beans are also excellent options, as well as plain canned pumpkin—just make sure to avoid any spiced pie fillings. Always inform your guests about your pet’s dietary restrictions to prevent any accidental feeding of harmful foods.
**Editor:** Apart from food, what about holiday decorations? What precautions should pet owners take?
**Dr. Willows:** Holiday decorations can certainly pose safety risks. For example, lit candles should be kept out of reach of curious pets, as they can easily knock them over and cause accidents. Electrical cords are another concern; using cord protectors and unplugging them when they’re not in use can prevent electrical hazards. Moreover, shiny items like tinsel and ribbons can be very enticing to pets, but they can lead to serious intestinal blockages if swallowed.
**Editor:** Those sound like crucial steps to ensure safety! Now, as the temperatures drop, what are your recommendations for keeping pets comfortable and safe in the cold?
**Dr. Willows:** During winter, it’s vital to monitor your pets closely. Limit their time outside, especially for small or elderly pets. It’s also a good idea to provide additional warmth in their sleeping areas, as well as checking their paws after walks to make sure they are free from snow, ice, or harmful chemicals. Hydration is key, too, since cold, dry air can lead to dehydration.
**Editor:** That makes perfect sense. Lastly, can you share your insights on fireplace and heater safety for pets during the winter holidays?
**Dr. Willows:** Certainly! Pets are often drawn to the warmth of fireplaces and heaters, but it’s essential to keep them safe. Always use fireplace screens to prevent pets from getting too close to open flames, and ensure that heaters are secured to prevent any tipping. It’s also wise to avoid placing their beds too close to heating sources to prevent burns.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing these invaluable tips, Dr. Willows. As we celebrate the season, it’s clear that our pets’ safety must be a top priority.
**Dr. Willows:** My pleasure! I hope everyone has a joyful and safe holiday season with their beloved pets.
