Limit table scraps
When you have a dozen dinner guests, and everyone from Aunt Ethel to Uncle Fred are offering table scraps, it may be too much for a small dog or cat to handle. Even big pets are too often treated for everything from minor tummy upset to pancreatitis on Christmas Day.
Watch what you leave out for Santa
When leaving Christmas cookies out for Santa, remember chocolate can make pets very sick (and Santa doesn’t need the calories); avocado is hazardous to birds (no Guacamole for Polly). Pets can choke on chicken or turkey bones, which may also cause gastrointestinal obstruction.
Candles in the wind
Candles may look nice, but playful kittens or curious cats can easily knock them over. Aromatic candles may smell good to us and seem benign but may be very dangerous to pets, especially birds (who have very sensitive respiratory systems).
Avoid prickly Christmas trees
When choosing a tree, consider one with pet-friendly needles such as white pine or Douglas fir. They’re not as likely to stick to your pet’s paws.
Tidy with tree needles
Puppies and kittens can munch on errant needles, and that may cause choking or stomach upset. Pet parrots (given the chance) may naturally perch on a branch of your Christmas tree, no harm done – great photo opp. But if Polly begins chewing on real needles or those from an artificial tree, it may be life threatened.
No chemicals under the tree
Don’t add chemical preservatives to prolong the life of your tree if pets have access to that solution. While these solutions don’t appear to cause severe reactions, pets can get an upset tummy.
House guests
Some pets are social butterflies, others not so much. For some pets, the commotion caused by little children is simply not the peace and quiet they’re accustomed to. Those pets might be happier secluded in a room, door shut with Christmas Carols playing in the background. Also, with that front door frequently opening and closing – some dogs get out, and so do indoor cats. Be sure all pets are microchipped for identification (and registered with the microchip provider) and have a collar and an ID tag.
Holiday plants may not be so festive
In truth, poinsettias are generally not the poisonous killer they’re made out to be, although too much may potentially cause stomach upset. Fresh holly and mistletoe are toxic, particularly their berries. Also, cats may be attracted to amaryllis lilies, and red azaleas – all potentially dangerous.
Tinsel and ribbon in the tummy
Cats and puppies love to play with tinsel and ribbons; if they ingest enough of this glittery stuff, it can create a serious gastrointestinal obstruction and may be life-threatening.
What are trees for?
Ask any cat – Christmas trees are all about trying to climb them. Secure the tree, so that if a cat takes a flying leap – the tree won’t topple over.
Ornaments are made for cats
If you have cats, glass ornaments should be kept off the tree. Find a cat-proof place, such as behind a glass cabinet where they can be shown off. Cats tend to believe that shiny glass ornaments are, of course, meant to be batted at. Broken ornaments are hazardous to people and pets, and some may have sentimental value. Also, tinsel hanging from a tree is equivalent to an invitation for any cat to jump and grab.
Pets deserve presents too
As the family gathers for opening presents, include all members of the family - even those with paws. This doesn’t mean you need to spend big bucks – simply take a dog’s toy away a few days before Christmas – and now open on the big day; your dog won’t mind the “re-gifting” as long as you make a fuss. Cat toys can be simple as a plastic bottle top, wine cork, or used tissue box with catnip inside it, Of course, the best thing you can do for your cat is to wrap the present in catnip-scented wrapping paper. The wrapping will be far more exciting than the gift.