You are doing all that you can to make this holiday season the merriest and brightest yet, but make sure that you consider your furry friends when you’re celebrating. Some of the things that humans consider pretty and fun can be dangerous to dogs and cats.
Here are a list of a few of the things that you need to be careful of this winter if you have a pet in your home:
Ornaments and Tinsel
When you hang ornaments and tinsel on your tree, make sure that you are thoughtful about where it is placed. Anything bright and shiny should be placed higher up on the tree, especially if it is made out of a material that is potentially harmful, like glass.
Shiny ornaments and tinsel are especially attractive to cats, who may try to jump on or into your tree to get at the item of interest. Try to teach your pet that the tree is not a plaything, or leave off the dangerous items altogether to ensure that your pets will be safe.
Candles and Lights
Lighting your home with strings of twinkling lights and scented candles is a great way to set the mood for the holiday season. Unfortunately, it is also a great way to allow your pets to cause havoc.
Strands of lights can spell danger for pets that like to chew, so make sure that there aren’t any exposed wires that could cause shocks. Also make sure that you never leave a lit candle unattended. We don’t want you to have to deal with a home insurance policy claim because a pet knocks over a candle and causes a fire (though, we would be happy to help if you do need to submit a claim – just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance at 617-298-0655).
Gift Ribbons
After you unwrap gifts, it may be tempting to fashion your dog or cat a new collar out of holiday ribbons, but please don’t. These types of ribbons aren’t meant to be tied around necks, and constitute a major choking hazard.
Festive Foods
Did you know that many of the treats that people love during the holidays are dangerous to pets? Make sure that the following treats are kept safely away from pets:
- Chocolate
- Most types of nuts
- Fat trimmings and bones
- Alcohol and coffee
- Nutmeg
- Onions and garlic
- Raw meat
- Unbaked yeast dough
To keep your cats or dogs safe, make sure that you don’t give them these items, and that they are kept out of reach and safely stored away where curious pets can’t get to them.
Holiday Plants
Another threat to your pets during the holiday season is the plants that you bring in to your home. Pine needles, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias (among others) are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested.
The moral of this story is that decorating for the holidays is a fun tradition, but you need to make sure that you keep your pets in mind when you deck the halls. Be careful about what you use to spread the cheer, and don’t use anything that could cause harm to your furry family members. Also make sure that your pets are covered by their own pet insurance policies so that they are protected in case of a holiday emergency.
