4 Top Holiday Health Hazards For Pets

With the holidays just around the corner, families are busy shopping and putting up lights and decorations all around the house. While this is generally a season of food, family and fun, it’s important to keep in mind some of the dangers that could be lurking for our furry friends. While we’re out busy shopping and making sweets for the family, our pets may look for opportunities to put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t. Here’s a list of the four top holiday health hazards for our pets: 

Décor

Of course, décors are very fun to look at. It brings an air of festivity and a sense of comfort to the home. However, it can also be a source of danger for your pets. Some decorations are made with materials that are harmful to your pet's health, such as lead, cadmium and mercury. So be sure that any decorations containing these toxic elements are placed safely away from pets until the holidays are over.

Plants and Flowers

While it adds an aesthetic touch to the holiday season, plants and flowers can be a source of danger for your pets. While some plants are harmless to pets, others can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In fact, here are some of the most common plants and flowers that you should avoid or store safely away from your pets during the holiday season:

• Castor bean or castor oil plant (Ricinus communis)
• Oleander (Nerium oleander)
• English Ivy, both leaves and berries (Hedera helix)
• Cyclamen (Cylamen spp.)
• Mistletoe (Viscum album)
• Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
  
  

Snack Bags

Nothing is more frustrating than having to throw out half a bag of chips because your dog decided to eat them all. While most snacks are safe for your pets, it's best to store them away from your curious pooch. And if you have a cat, don't even think about putting those holiday cookies out on display—they'll be gone before you know it!

Snacks are harmful to your pet because they contain ingredients that can be poisonous or cause an allergic reaction in animals. For example, chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. This compound can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures if ingested by your furry friend. 

Grapes and raisins can also prove deadly for dogs and cats and even kill your furry friends if eaten in large enough quantities. That's why snack bags meant for humans should not be left out for your pet. So be mindful of what you leave out for your pet, and always keep snacks safe from harm!

Human Food

Similar to snack bags, human food should also be kept out of reach. Human food can cause digestive issues for your pet, especially if you feed them something that does not agree with their body. For example, onions contain thiosulfate, which causes Heinz body anemia in cats and dogs—causing blood cells to break down and die. We all know that most of the food meals we consume contain onion, so it is best to refrain from feeding your pets any human food. 

Pets are family. We treat them like it.

This holiday season, ensure your pet is safe and secure by keeping them away from untoward dangers. This will help you enjoy the season with your family and pets alike! And to make your pets more comfortable, at American Pet Spa & Resort, we have a number of services for your pets. We offer bathing, grooming, training, and much more!

Book your pet's boarding appointment now before we book up!