It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or, it should be, as long as we keep all members of the family safe, healthy and happy.
The holidays can be an exciting time for kiddies and kitties … and dogs and pups and everyone in the home. But the arrival of unfamiliar and fascinating new items — gifts, decorations, holiday foods and shiny gift wrapping — presents dangers to some members of the household.
Candles are a danger to little folks, whether on two legs or four. Keep them out of reach — and remember that almost nothing is out of reach to some cats.
Most people know that chocolate is poison for dogs — but so is the sweetener xylitol, which is now in a vast range of products. Even foods that are not, in and of themselves, poisonous, can be dangerous in large quantities. When guests are around, make sure food trays are monitored by adult human eyes so furry family can’t surreptitiously feast on an overabundance of salami, cheese or chip dip. (Aunts and uncles might also overindulge, but there is little most of us can do about that.)
In the kitchen, make sure the trash can is secured because pets can be attracted to the discarded bits and bites, which is bad enough, but if these are attached to hors d’oeuvres toothpicks or other foreign objects or wrappers, the dangers are much worse.
Almost everyone loves Christmas trees. Perhaps no one more so than cats. Be careful that cats, especially kittens, do not injure themselves and others by crawling up inside and overturning it, or eating parts of the tree (whether it is real or artificial). The decorations, especially tinsel, can be a choking hazard. Bulbs, balls, floofloovers and tartookas, especially if broken, can be dangerous to little ones of all species.
Many of the plants and flowers we purchase at this time of year to bring festive colour can bring along with them dangers, too. Poinsettias, holly, amaryllis, and mistletoe berries can be dangerous if ingested, causing serious and potentially fatal gastrointestinal problems — even seizures.
Potpourri or fragrant oils intended to enhance the olfactory fun can be harmful if ingested, too.
Small toys that you would keep out of reach of babies and toddlers should likewise be kept away from pets. This includes batteries for powered toys, which dogs have been known to chew, causing chemical burns.
Through all the festivities, don’t forget that animals — especially those who are not used to crowds — can be overwhelmed by activities. Make sure they have time and space to cool down and feel comfortable.
This is especially true at New Year’s Eve. Like Halloween, this evening can be terrifying to animals. Some people like to explode stuff to usher in the new year and cats and dogs are inclined to bolt out of fear. Keep doors and windows closed, turn up the music, the TV or other white(ish) noise to drown out the scary sounds outside.
These worst-case-scenario warnings are a downer in a fun season. But better safe than sorry. Keeping all family members safe ensures the holiday memories we make this year are remembered for the right reasons!
Pat Johnson is the communications manager at the Regional Animal Protection Society.
