7 Ways to Make the Holidays Safer for Your Pets

Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic. These seven tips can help prevent a holiday disaster.

1. Keep people food out of the reach of your pet, and ask your guests to do the same.
2. Make sure your pet doesn’t have any access to treats, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions or other toxic foods.
3. Don’t leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree or potpourri.
4. Keep holiday plants (especially holly, mistletoe and lillies) out of reach of pets.
5. Consider leaving the tinsel off your tree if you have a cat.
6. Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it. Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.
7. Provide a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place) if you’re entertaining guests. If your pet is excitable or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association