Holiday Hazards: Keep Your Pets Safe All Year Round
The holidays bring extra dangers for our furry friends. Festive decorations, tempting treats, and new electronics can all pose risks to curious pets. While the holidays might heighten the dangers, it's important to be vigilant year-round. Here's how to keep your pets safe:
Electrical Hazards:
- Cords and Cables: Puppies, especially, love to chew on electrical cords. This can lead to electric shock, burns, and even death.
- Use cord covers to hide and protect cords.
- Provide safe chew toys to keep them occupied.
- Unplug charging cables when not in use.
- Watch out for dangling cords from phones, tablets, and holiday lights.
- Electronics and Appliances:
- Prevent pets from napping near warm electronics like computers or TVs.
- Keep pets away from hot appliances like curling irons, grills, and heaters.
- If your pet swallows electronic parts, contact your vet immediately.
Holiday Specific Hazards:
- Decorations: Securely fasten Christmas lights and ornaments to prevent chewing and swallowing.
- Presents: Be mindful of ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper, which can be choking hazards.
- Toxic Plants: Keep holiday plants like poinsettias and mistletoe out of reach.
Remember: Prevention is key. Pet-proof your home just like you would for a child, and be extra vigilant during the holidays. If you suspect your pet has been injured or has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately.
