Although our West Vets ER team is prepared to handle any pet holiday disaster, we know you want to stay out of the emergency room during your festive celebrations. To help you and your pet safely enjoy the seasonal festivities, our team shares some of the most commonly encountered holiday hazards and how to avoid them.

#1: Keep your pet out of the kitchen

The kitchen is a dangerous place for your four-legged friend. From sharp knives to boiling-over pots, all manner of items can harm them. Barricade yourself in your kitchen with baby gates, or confine your pet elsewhere so they won’t be underfoot while you’re straining the potatoes.

#2: Don’t let your pet in the trash: Take trash cans out often 

The trash can is an irresistible source of tasty scraps—edible or not—for your pet. Grease-coated aluminum foil, jagged metal can lids, and various ingredients that were not included in the final cooking can seriously threaten your furry pal. Ensure your trash can lid latches securely, and empty the can early and often to prevent overflow.

#3: Ban your pet from begging

Don’t let your pet stake out the prime spot under the table and beg for handouts. Well-meaning guests may want to spoil your pet and slip them tidbits from their plate, but the following foods can be dangerous for pets:

  • Turkey and ham
  • Mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Green bean casserole
  • Stuffing
  • Corn cobs
  • Desserts

Many favorite holiday dishes are high in fat or contain ingredients toxic for pets, so confine your pet to a different room with a special treat while your guests enjoy their meal.

#4: Protect the tree from your pet  

Before putting up your Christmas tree, decide on an easily defended location in case your pet simply won’t stay away. You may need a pet gate around your tree to ensure your furry pal cannot reach:

  • Tree stand water
  • Tree needles
  • Tinsel and garland
  • Ornament hooks
  • Electrical cords

#5: Pack the presents away from pets

As you wrap a bag of your pet’s favorite treats with ribbon, consider hiding the gift in an inaccessible location. Left under the tree, your pet likely will destroy the packaging and may ingest the hazardous ribbon that can wrap around their tongue or lodge in their stomach or intestines.

#6: Hang your stockings with care out of pets’ reach

When hanging your stockings, choose a spot that your pet cannot reach. Although overflowing stockings dangling in front of a blazing fire is a picture-worthy scene, your furry pal could be burned if they try to reach the tempting gifts.

#7: Place fragile items out of reach of pets

Glass, ceramic, and porcelain ornaments, snow globes, and nativity scenes brighten up your holiday decor, but can easily be broken by a curious pet. And, you will have more to worry about than cut paws, because pets may also ingest the toxic ethylene glycol from snow globes. Do not display fragile items, or at least ensure they are placed on out-of-reach shelves to keep your furry pal safe.

#8: Check festive plant pet toxicity

Before accepting that beautiful festive bouquet or bringing home a potted plant, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants. Several popular seasonal plants cause varying degrees of toxicity in pets, including:

  • Mistletoe
  • Holly
  • Lilies
  • Amaryllis
  • Cyclamen
  • Azaleas

While poinsettias are often considered extremely dangerous for pets, at worst, they may mildly irritate your pet’s mucous membranes and cause vomiting and diarrhea.

#9: Bar your pet from the door

Door-dashing pets can find themselves in potentially fatal situations if they escape and wind up lost, fight with other animals, or are struck by a vehicle. As guests arrive and leave, keep your pet confined to their crate or behind a closed door to ensure they can’t sneak out while you’re occupied.

#10: Educate guests on proper pet etiquette

You live with your pet, so you know how to keep them safe and out of trouble. Visiting guests, however, may not be pet-savvy and inadvertently scare or harm your furry pal. When family and friends arrive, give them a brief pet etiquette lesson that covers:

  • Placing suitcases, purses, and coats out of reach to prevent access to medications and other toxins
  • Waiting for your pet to approach before interacting
  • Allowing your pet to walk away from their company
  • Refraining from giving your pet any unapproved treats

If your pet encounters a holiday mishap, our West Vets ER team can provide urgent or emergency care after normal business hours. Give us a call if your furry pal finds themself in trouble.