Fa-la-la with Fido: Four pet safety tips for the holiday season

Fa-la-la with Fido! It’s that time of year and if you are like many people during this pandemic, you added a new furry family member. Have you thought about pet safety tips?

If you are a first-time pet owner, you might not know that with pets and the holidays comes some level of risk. The holiday season can be difficult on animals not used to the changes in their environment. Different smells, noises, visitors and décor can all impact your animal. Here are four pet safety tips for the holiday season. Read on:

Cords and décor

One of the top pet safety tips for the holiday season is about holiday décor – specifically electrical cords. If you have a puppy, this one is really geared to you. Make sure you hide or secure all your cords so your furry friend doesn’t play with or chew on them. And it is also a good idea to unplug ones that Fido can still get to if you leave the house.Bottom of Form

And candles can be dangerous too, with curious pets around, so maybe switch to electric or battery-powered ones this year.

Food, flowers and drinks

It’s fun to share with your pet, but the fact is, many holiday foods are off limits. You might know that chocolate is a no-no for dogs, but there are others too. Bones can be choking hazards and some plants (holly, mistletoe and poinsettia) are dangerous for cats and dogs.

Visitors

If you have been sticking close to home this year, your pet might not be used to people who don’t live in your home. So, if you are having a guest or two for the holidays, make sure you have a safe place for your pet to retreat to and keep them on a leash in the beginning so you can control the introductions. If small children will be present, keep a close eye on your animal. Dog bites are no fun and you can be liable if someone is bitten in your home. It’s a good idea to check your homeowner’s insurance policy!

Vaccinations, identification and more!

If you plan to travel this holiday season, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has proper identification in case he or she gets loose in a new place. And make sure you have a list of emergency numbers available for veterinary care and poison control.

Skip Ivery Agency

At the Skip Ivery Agency, we hope you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy holiday season.