Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

The holidays are full of family, food, and fun—and they also present some hazards for our four-legged friends. Follow these helpful tips from your Reynoldsburg veterinarian to keep your pet safe this holiday season.

Beware of Human Food

The abundance of food during the holiday season is great for our taste buds, but it can spell danger for our dogs or cats. Human foods like chocolate, coffee, grapes and certain other fruits, onions, and garlic can be toxic to pets—keep them well out of reach of your dog or cat. Don’t leave any alcoholic drinks unattended, since as little as a few sips can be very dangerous to an animal.

Turkey bones can be dangerous if your dog chews on them and ingests a splinter. Keep trash wrapped up securely where your pet can’t get into it.

Holiday Decorations

Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia plants are all poisonous to dogs and cats if enough is ingested. If you do choose to decorate your home with them, make sure your pet can’t reach them. Tree decorations or other holiday ornaments could contain small, breakable pieces that your pet could choke on. Use caution when decorating, especially if your pet is the curious type. If your pet tries to snag an ornament off the tree, the whole tree could potentially fall over, presenting a crushing hazard.

Place Candles Carefully

If you plan on burning candles this holiday season, make sure they’re out of your pet’s grasp—you don’t want your furry friend to accidentally burn herself, or knock a candle over and start a house fire. Also beware of home fireplaces; use a screen to ensure your pet can’t get near the hot flames.

Wrapping Safety

Planning a family gift-wrapping session? It might be wise to keep your pet in another room. Wrapping paper, string, tape, or plastic could cause intestinal upset or blockage if your pet ingests any. Also be careful of leaving scissors unattended—a curious dog or cat might see them as a toy and start playing with them, which could result in lacerations or puncture wounds.

Your Reynoldsburg vet can advise you further on holiday safety for pets. Give him or her a call to ensure this holiday season is a safe and happy one for everyone in your family!

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Location

Office Hours

Practice Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Kennel Only)