For pets, Christmas and New Year’s can present dangers such as toxic foods, hazardous decorations, and stress caused by loud noises, making it essential to take precautions for their safety and well-being.
- For pets, Christmas and New Year’s can present dangers such as toxic foods, hazardous decorations, and stress caused by loud noises, making it essential to take precautions for their safety and well-being.
- Common Household Dangers
- Dangers from Noise and Stress
- How to Handle Fireworks
- Dangers in Decorations
- Dangers from Food and Drink
- How to Protect Your Pets
- Additional Preparations
During the year-end holidays, pets face dangers like stress from fireworks (leading to escapes and injuries), ingestion of decorations (tinsel, garland, glass ornaments), and toxic plants (holly, mistletoe, poinsettias), poisoning from human foods (chocolate, alcohol, fats), burns from lights/wires, and accidents involving fragile objects or ice-melting salts, requiring special attention to protect them from loud noises and hazardous items.
Common Household Dangers
- Toxic Plants: Decorative plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic if ingested, causing irritation or digestive issues. Opt for artificial versions or place them out of reach.
- Dangerous Foods: Keep pets away from holiday foods like chocolate (which contains theobromine, toxic to dogs and cats), grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure), and sweets with high sugar content like nougat.
- Holiday Decorations: Glass ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations can cause intestinal blockages or cuts if chewed or swallowed. Ensure light cords are securely fastened and unplugged when you’re not present to prevent shocks.
Dangers from Noise and Stress
- Fireworks and Firecrackers: They cause extreme fear, rapid heartbeat, trembling, panic, and escapes. Keep your pet in a safe, quiet shelter at home, with soft music playing.
- Loud Sounds: Loud music, noisemakers, and other sounds can frighten and disorient animals.
How to Handle Fireworks
Loud noises from fireworks can cause significant anxiety in pets.
- Create a Safe Space: Designate a room or area in your home that is as isolated as possible from noise, with their bed, toys, and fresh water. Close doors and windows to minimize sound and prevent escapes.
- Minimize Noise: Play relaxing music or turn on the TV at a moderate volume to help mask external explosions.
- Stay Calm: Your energy affects your pet. Stay calm and speak to them in a soothing voice to provide emotional support.
- Walks and Exercise: Make sure to take them for a long walk and plenty of playtime early in the day so they are more tired and relaxed before the noise begins.
- Consult Your Veterinarian: If your pet suffers from severe anxiety, talk to a veterinarian about options like calming pheromones, anti-stress wraps, or, in extreme cases, tranquilizing medications like alprazolam, which should be administered under professional supervision.
Dangers in Decorations
- Christmas Tree: Sharp needles, small ornaments, tinsel (ribbons), and lights can be swallowed, causing intestinal blockages or injuries.
- Toxic Plants: Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are poisonous and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even death if ingested.
- Electrical Cords: Pets can chew them and suffer severe burns.
- Ice-Melting Salts: They can cause deadly electrolyte imbalances if licked or ingested.
Dangers from Food and Drink
- Alcohol: It can damage organs and lead to organ failure.
- Fatty or Sugary Foods: They can cause pancreatitis or digestive problems.
How to Protect Your Pets
- Create a Shelter: A quiet, safe indoor room for them to take refuge from loud noises.
- Supervise Decorations: Secure the tree, avoid small ornaments, and don’t use toxic plants.
- Don’t Leave Them Alone: Your presence is a key comfort, especially during loud noises.
- Avoid Fireworks: Keep your pet indoors and away from fireworks displays.
- Consult Your Veterinarian: For medications or if you notice severe stress, only under professional supervision.
Additional Preparations
- Updated Identification: Make sure your pet wears an ID tag with your current contact information in case they manage to escape.
- Travel: If you’re traveling during the holidays, plan ahead for your pet’s care, whether by taking them with you (with necessary precautions) or leaving them with a trusted caregiver or family member.
If you have questions about your pet’s well-being, please email:
DrBorrego@petsvet.com
Dr. Enrique Borrego is the medical director of Animal General Hospital, located at 501 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953 • Phone 772-344-8835 • www.petsvet.com • Serving our Treasure Coast community since 1990
