Tis the season for mistletoe, warm meals, and longer wintery (or as close to winter as Texas weather can be) nights. While the ushering in of the holiday season brings joy, there is nothing joyful about having a pet emergency interrupt your cheer.

1. Holiday Food

Holiday baking includes a lot of chocolate, seasoned meats, and other potentially dangerous ingredients.  While it may be encouraged to feed pets from the table, please refrain from doing so. As the American Vet Medical Association explains.

“During the holidays, when our own diets tend toward extra-rich foods, table scraps can be especially fattening and hard for animals to digest and cause pancreatitis.”

Before the start of the holiday season, be sure to look up a nearby vet emergency hospital in advance should an emergency arise.  Check out a complete list of toxic foods here.

2. Decorations

Make sure any Christmas trees or large holiday décor are properly secured to reduce the risk of a pet knocking it down and creating more havoc. In addition, ornaments, tinsel and other holiday decorations can be easily seen as treats to your pet.  Make sure none of these easily chewable items are within reach of your pet.

Festive plants and seasonal flowers can be dangerous.  Educate yourself on plants such as amaryllis, mistletoe, and poinsettias; all of which are common during the holidays but can be poisonous if consumed.

3. Plants

Festive plants and seasonal flowers can be dangerous. Read up on plants such as amaryllis, mistletoe and poinsettias. All of which are common during the holiday, but also toxic for pets.

4. Parties Galore

This time of year means an increase of hosting guests for an extended period of time or hosting multiple parties. While laughter and love enrich the spirit, not all pets are comfortable or safe around an influx of activity, especially new people inside their home.  Be sure your pet has access to a quiet, safe place in the house should they not want to partake in any of the fun. If your pet enjoys his/her crate, securing them during an event could help ease anxiety from the noise. Most importantly, be sure all your doors leading to outside are secured and take note whenever someone is coming or going.  It’s helpful to alert guests of pets in the home so they are mindful of the door.

5. Check Exits

With an increase in house guests, make sure all doors leading outside are secured, and pay extra attention when friends are coming in or going out. Remind guests of your furry loves, so they are also mindful of the door!

The holiday season brings a sense of love and comfort to the air.  That’s why we want you to spend every holiday season, safely, with your furry family.