Holiday Safety Tips in Tulsa

cat in christmas tree

As you do you do your last-minute decorating and party planning, remember to consider your pet’s safety around the house. The holiday season should be a joyous time of year, but it can turn into a dangerous time for your pet if you’re not prepared. We know the last thing you want is to spend the holidays in the emergency room with your pet, so consider the following safety tips from the team Animal Emergency Center of Tulsa to keep your companions safe.

Holiday Plants

They’re beautiful and festive, but there are several seasonal holiday plants that are dangerous to pets. Mistletoe and holly are just a couple of plants on the “toxic to pets” list. If ingested, these plants can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and even organ failure if treatment isn’t sought right away. Either block off your pet’s access to these toxic plants or use artificial ones instead.

Holiday Decorations

Tinsel and ribbons can be dangerous for dogs and cats, especially young, rambunctious pets. If ingested, these decorations can cause intestinal blockage, which can often can be corrected only with surgery. Another decoration that can be dangerous to pets are Christmas lights. Many pets are known to paw at or chew on electric lights that are wrapped around Christmas trees, which can lead to serious injury. So keep your lights high on your tree to eliminate the temptation for a curious pet.

Holiday Parties

Will you be hosting a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party at your home? As part of the family, your pet will probably want to join in the fun, but before you let them, there are a few things you should consider. If your pet experiences anxiety around strangers or large groups of people, it’s best to leave them in a separate area, away from the festivities. You can either use a pet gate or leave them in another room where they can relax. This is especially important if you have a very small pet that can be easily overlooked and accidentally kicked or stepped on by your guests.

Table Food

Thinking about sharing some of your dinner with your pet? Before you do, make sure you know which foods are safe and which ones aren’t. On the “safe” list are cooked chicken and turkey (no bones or skin), green beans, apples, and carrots (cut in small pieces). The foods you should avoid feeding your pet include chocolate, raisins, grapes, and macadamia nuts. These foods are toxic to pets and can leave your pet feeling very sick or worse, depending on the amount ingested.

If you have any questions about these holiday pet safety tips, or if your pet is in need of emergency care at Animal Emergency Center of Tulsa, give us a call at 916-665-0508. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.