Holiday Pet Safety in Maurice, LA
Your pets are curious creatures and they will undoubtedly want to check out all the festive holiday decorations springing up all over the house. Décor, coupled with delicious seasonal food, fill the house with tantalizing sights, smells, and textures that any pet would be hard-pressed not to explore. Yet, many of the things we enjoy about the holidays are actually dangerous for our pets. Keep them safe this season with our holiday pet safety tips!
Hanging Decorations with Care
Holiday decorations are an iconic part of the season, and skimping out on any of the festive lights, plants, ornaments and more would be unfortunate, to say the least! Avoid accidents with some precautionary steps when putting up your decorations. Keep the following items out of your pet’s reach by avoiding them completely, securing them so they cannot fall or break, or placing them far out of reach:
- The Christmas tree. This hulking green giant can easily fall if swatted by some curious paws.
- Electric lights. What looks to pets like a fun chew toy holds dangerous electricity.
- Tinsel. This stringy, shiny decoration is a magnet for cats, but the strings can all too easily break and get swallowed, causing an intestinal obstruction.
- Ornaments. They come in all sorts of sizes, but many can break to be bite-sized pieces or shatter into sharp, painful edges.
- Festive plants. Amaryllis, lilies, poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are all toxic (and even deadly) if ingested.
- Outdoor decor. For outdoor animals, be sure your outdoor decorations like electric lights, lawn décor, or inflatable items are out of their reach.
Food Safety for Your Furry Friends
It may be tempting for you and your guests to share your food with pets. However, many of the foods we eat, and even consider healthy, are highly toxic to our pets. Make sure your guests know not to share anything with your four-legged family member without your permission. Luckily, there are some safe foods to share with your pet, and we’ll tell you about those, too! But first, here’s what you’ll want to avoid sharing:
- Cooked bones
- Turkey skin
- Fatty meats like ham and sausage
- Meat fat and gristle
- Rich, buttery foods like sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes
- Baked goods, candy, and chocolate
- Alcohol
- Onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks
- Grapes and raisins
- Nuts
If you do want your pet to enjoy the feast, you’ll be able to share some of the healthier items! It’s important, though, to make sure everything is well-cooked, unseasoned, and butter-free. Here’s what you can share:
- Green beans, carrots, and other cooked veggies
- Pure pumpkin puree
- Cranberry sauce with no sugar added
- Lean turkey or beef
- Plain sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes
As always, please ask us if you have any questions or concerns about holiday pet safety, and we’ll be happy to help!