Paw-Sitively Safe Holidays
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also bring hidden dangers for our beloved pets. With festive decorations, delicious foods, and the loud booms of New Year’s fireworks, it’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of risks to their furry friends. From toxic holiday plants to unsafe foods and anxiety-inducing noises, this article will guide you through keeping your pets safe and comfortable during the festivities.
Beware of Toxic Holiday Plants
While “real” Christmas trees (often fir, pine, and spruce) are generally safe for pets, it's important to maintain a routine to ensure they don’t ingest any sap, needles, or water. Pine needles can cause intestinal blockages if ingested, and Christmas tree water can harbor bacteria that lead to digestive issues.
Other decorative plants during the holiday season may pose risks to your pets. The most common include:
Holly: Mildly poisonous; can cause vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Poinsettia: Mildly harmful; its sap can irritate pets’ mouths.
Mistletoe: Extremely toxic; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingested, as mistletoe poisoning can be fatal.
For a safer option, consider non-toxic plants like a Christmas cactus, or fake plant decor, which is both safe and budget-friendly.
Spice is Not Always Nice: Foods to Avoid
Food is one of the greatest acts of love during the holiday season, leading many pet owners to share their leftovers with their companions. However, not all holiday foods are safe for pets.
While pumpkins can be beneficial for cats and dogs, only canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin are safe. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean they can enjoy pumpkin spice.
Speaking of spice, avoid dishes with nutmeg, onion, and garlic powder, as these can harm pets’ red blood cells. Nutmeg, in particular, is especially dangerous and can cause seizures. On the flip side, cinnamon, rosemary, parsley, and ginger can offer health benefits— just a sprinkle of cinnamon on your pet’s treat can ease joint pain!
Turkey dinner scraps are a pet favorite, but it’s best to set aside a portion before stuffing it up. Turkey is safe for both dogs and cats, provided it is skinless, cooked, unsalted, and free of gravy and spices. In contrast, even unprepared ham contains dangerously high salt levels for pets. Bone broth can enhance kibble as long as it lacks harmful spices and excessive salt.
After dinner, resist the temptation to toss a bone to your dog. Cooked bones can splinter easily, with turkey and chicken bones being especially brittle.
A holiday staple in El Paso is the tamal. Only dogs should sample tamales made without garlic, onion, and chiles— be sure to remove the corn husk!
Pet Panic? Not This New Year!
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also bring unique challenges for pet owners, especially during firework festivities. While many of us enjoy the dazzling displays, our furry friends often experience anxiety and fear. Fortunately, there are effective ways to help them cope.
Different pets exhibit different behaviors. While we often recognize dogs' signs of anxiety, such as whining, trembling, and pacing, cats may dilate their pupils, groom excessively, or become aggravated. Common anxiety treatments include Thundershirts, which provide constant pressure similar to swaddling. Prices vary by pet size, but a cheaper alternative is using an old t-shirt or piece of fabric to wrap around your pet. Additionally, head wraps can muffle firework booms while providing comforting pressure.
Other options include calming sprays and chews. Calming sprays release pheromones that comfort pets (specific to each species), while calming chews help reduce energy levels, making pets less sensitive to sudden sounds. Local pet stores in El Paso, like Pet’s Barn, often offer discounts on calming chews during firework-heavy holidays like New Year’s and the Fourth of July.
To further distract your pet, try hiding treats or kibble in treat dispenser toys, providing engaging activities to take their mind off the fireworks.
As the holidays roll around, prioritizing your pets’ safety and well-being is essential. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your pets happy and healthy. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season for both you and your pets!
Original story published in the 2024 November/December edition of Bliss NOW Magazine (pg. 20-21)
Cover image via Bliss NOW Magazine
