8 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season
December 24, 2019 • At Home • Health & Wellness •
Guest Blogger Jennifer Landis shared these important tips & safety information for FIDO (and FLUFFY) this holiday season!
The holiday season brings tons of excitement, gifts and delicious dishes. Naturally, your pet will be part of the festivities. Yet it's crucial to know which foods are safe for them to eat.
You'll have plenty of guests in your home over the holidays. Be sure no one feeds your furry friend something harmful. Tasty treats are a staple in celebrations, but not all of them are appropriate for animals.
Brush up on your foodie knowledge and discover eight ways to keep your pets safe around the dinner table.
1. Leave the Sugar Out
Most people know Xylitol — found in some peanut butter, gum and breath mints — and chocolate is deadly for pets. These sweets cause dehydration, heart issues and seizures. Xylitol, in particular, can cause liver failure and low blood sugar. You don't have to forsake all treats this season, but keep them out of Fido's reach to prevent deadly accidents.
Put the lid on the garbage can to deter pets from digging in the trash and eating leftovers. Have treats or hand to steer them away from human food.
2. Feed Them Meat Without Bones
You can slide your dog some turkey meat if they won't stop giving you puppy eyes, but take the bones out first. Bones can break apart and become sharp hazards for their mouths and digestive tracts. Make sure the meat is unseasoned, too. Animals' stomachs can't handle the spicy and fatty foods humans love.
A plain piece of turkey meat without the skin is best. You can share a little ham with your pet, but remember it's high sodium content. Moderation is essential with any goodies.
3. Be Sparing With Seafood
Are you featuring seafood on your holiday menu? If so, seaweed and cooked fish are suitable for pets, but remember to remove the bones before serving. Stay away from farmed fish and seafood high in mercury, such as tuna and swordfish.
Your dog can eat lobster if it's thoroughly cooked, unseasoned and doesn't contain any shell bits. Lobster is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a tasty and healthy indulgence for anyone. Avoid feeding substantial portions of it, though. This dish is meant to be an occasional treat, not a regular meal.
4. Guard Your Cocktails
Alcoholic beverages can cause your furry friend to become weak and tired — from there, coma is possible. Be especially mindful about wine, because grapes are toxic to dogs. If your pet falls into a coma from ingesting alcohol, they can suffer respiratory failure and death. Thankfully, most animals don't enjoy the taste of alcohol. Still, taking precautions is advisable.
Parties can get hectic, but keep all drinks out of reach.
5. Secure Your Christmas Tree
Your Christmas tree needs water like any living thing, but this standing water can be harmful to if ingested. It contains bacteria and fertilizers, which can cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Few people want to celebrate the holidays by cleaning waste off the floor.
Secure your tree with a skirt or a plastic bag. Your cat or dog will have a harder time getting to the unclean water. Consider buying a fake tree if your pet is prone to snooping where they shouldn't. It's less maintenance, and you don't have to worry about sudden illness.
6. Skip the Mistletoe
Mistletoe can cause cardiovascular and digestive problems if your pet swallows it. Holly and poinsettias inflict similar gastrointestinal upset by causing vomiting and diarrhea. Lilies are particularly toxic to cats because they can induce acute kidney failure.
Skip the sprigs of mistletoe this Christmas, or replace them with animal-friendly alternatives. If you prefer real plants, bring in some greenery that's safe to have around. Fill your festive bouquets with Christmas cactus and colorful orchids instead.
7. Reconsider Edible Decorations
Many people hang edible decorations on their Christmas trees, but these can be dangerous temptations. These small food portions turn into choking hazards. Your pet can bring the tree down from tugging on a popcorn garland. Stick with regular ornaments if your furry friend loves to get into open food.
Hang ornaments and lights high on the tree where pets can't easily reach them. Low-hanging lights can burn your cat or dog if they become entangled.
8. Choose Raw Vegetables
Green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes are great for your dog to eat, but it's better to serve them raw. Most people love a rich Thanksgiving dish, but those spicy and heavy seasonings don't bode well for pets. Save an uncooked, unseasoned portion of veggies before throwing the rest in the pot. Skip the onions and garlic, as these can be toxic to an animal's digestive system.
Though raw is preferable in most cases, some vegetables are better cooked. Always check with your vet to be sure.
Fun and Safe Celebrations for All — Pets Included
Following the eight tips above will prevent food-related mishaps and nasty-clean ups. Host your holiday celebrations with low stress and soaring confidence. Remember to wrap a present for your well-behaved furry friend — they deserve it for not knocking over the turkey.
Celebrate the new year with an abundance of health and happiness for you and your pet.
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Jennifer Landis
Editor, Mindfulness Mama | Freelance Writer
E jennifer.e.landis@gmail.com
W http://www.mindfulnessmama.com
