Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
just don’t let Rover or Muffy eat it!

Compliments of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

 

Most of us will likely be celebrating the holidays differently this year due to the pandemic. Regardless of how we choose to celebrate our unique family traditions, the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society offers some tips on ensuring the health and safety of our furry family members:

Pet-proof the tree.  

  • Firmly secure the tree so that if Fluffy decides to climb limbs, it won’t fall over.
  • Attach ornaments tightly so that wagging tails don’t knock them off, and hungry pets aren’t tempted by what they think are attractive hanging treats.
  • Cover the water reservoir of freshly cut trees with tree skirts or tin foil so it isn’t accessible to pets. Many cut trees are preserved with toxic pesticides and fertilizers that, when released into the water, can be toxic.
  • Pets are attracted to eat or play with bright holiday lights. However, nibbling on cords can result in electrocution, internal injuries, or intestinal blockage.
  • Skip the tinsel and ribbons if you have a cat, as they can get caught in their intestines if eaten. 

Decorating your home

  • Never leave your pet in a room with lit candles. The simple flick of a tail or pull of a tablecloth can result in spilled wax or quickly spreading fire.
  • While floral arrangements and greenery are lovely decorations, they can be deadly to your pets. Holly, ivy, mistletoe, and poinsettias can be poisonous if ingested. Even more hazardous and often fatal are lilies. Just a few small bits of any part of a lily plant can cause kidney failure and death in cats.

Foods to avoid

  • All that delicious and wonderful smelling holiday food! Have pet treats ready to distract your pet because eating any of the following can wreak havoc on a pet’s digestive tract or worse: bones (easily splinter, break teeth), fatty scraps, candy (especially chocolate), grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, eggnog, cake, coffee, and alcoholic drinks. 

Additional tips

  • Be sure your pet is microchipped and has a pet ID on their collar. Remember, in the excitement of welcoming a family member, your pet can easily scoot out the door.
  • Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy, along with their recommended veterinary emergency facility if the practice is closed.
  • Know the ASPCA Poison Control Number (888-426-4435) and keep it handy with your pet’s emergency first aid kit. 
  • Consider confining your pet when there is too much going on and you can’t pay attention to their whereabouts to reduce everyone’s stress and ensure their safety.

The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society consists of more than 75 small animal hospitals and 200 veterinarians in Erie and Niagara counties. Learn more at www.nfveterinarysociety.org.