CLEVELAND — As families decorate, cook and gather for the holidays, veterinarians say many seasonal traditions can pose unexpected risks for pets.
From Christmas trees and wrapping paper to festive foods and winter walks, experts urge pet owners to take a few simple precautions to avoid an emergency trip to the vet.
Dr. Susan Kimmel, a veterinarian and medical director with VCA Animal Hospitals says some of the biggest hazards come from the decorations we bring into our homes.
“The indoor things that we do to make our homes festive. So, the decorations around our house, we’re gonna want to make sure that we’re opting for shatterproof ornaments and avoiding tinsel, these things can be very dangerous if they’re ingested,” Dr. Kimmel said.
Holiday décor hazards
Pets are naturally curious, especially when new sights, smells and textures appear around the house.
Veterinarians recommend keeping the following in mind when decorating:
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Avoid tinsel and breakable ornaments
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Hang decorations high and out of reach
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Skip edible ornaments like popcorn strings or salt dough
Wrapping paper, bows and ribbon can also be dangerous if swallowed.
“Some cats, uh, dogs too, but, you know, cats love to play with ribbon, and if they ingest that, that could also be quite dangerous for them. So we want to make sure we clean that out of their way right away.”
Holiday foods pets should never eat
Another common problem during holiday gatherings: well-meaning guests slipping pets a taste of table food.
Dr. Kimmel says some foods can be extremely dangerous — even in small amounts.
“There are certain foods that are just downright toxic to our pets that they should never have. That includes foods like chocolate and raisins, grapes, onions, and anything that contains Xylitol.”
Dangerous holiday foods include:
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Chocolate, grapes and raisins
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Onions and fatty table scraps
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Sugar-free foods containing xylitol
Pet owners are encouraged to remind guests not to feed pets and to keep plates, leftovers and trash secured.
When to call the vet
If you think your pet may have eaten something toxic, time is critical.
“If your pet ingests any of those toxic things I mentioned… that should be an immediate, you know, need to talk or ideally go into the veterinarian, that I would not wait on.”
Pet Poison Help: What to Know
If you think your pet may have eaten something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Immediate guidance can make a critical difference.
Veterinarians and emergency clinics often use information from poison helplines to determine the best course of treatment — even before a pet arrives at the hospital.
Winter walks bring added risks
Holiday safety doesn’t stop indoors. Shorter days, colder temperatures and icy conditions can make winter walks more hazardous.
“It can also be darker in the morning and darker in the evening, so you’re gonna wanna make sure that they have good visibility and are always on a non-retractable leash so that they’re not going to be in harm’s way.”
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Use reflective leashes, collars or harnesses
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Watch for ice, salt and rough surfaces
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Consider booties or coats for cold-sensitive pets
Veterinarians say a little planning can go a long way in keeping pets healthy — and the holidays a little less stressful.
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