It’s the most wonderful time of year. That means, it’s time to plan your most anticipated meals and gatherings. This year, when planning your holiday celebrations, be mindful of your beloved pet, as the holidays pose greater risks to their safety. Here are four key ways to avoid the holiday blues by keeping your pet safe this festive season. 

Pet-Friendly Decorations 

Before the parties and feasts begin, the holidays start with decorations. Although we all enjoy turning our home into a winter wonderland, it’s important to be considerate of the hazards these decorations may bring to our pets. To keep your pet out of harm’s way, we recommend the following decorating tips, including: 

• Fasten your Christmas tree to the ceiling or door frame to avoid pets knocking it over. 
• Refrain from water additives to your Christmas tree to ensure your pet does not ingest it.
• Keep ornaments and tinsel out of your pet’s reach to mitigate intestinal blockages.
• Keep festive plants away from your pet as they are poisonous when ingested.

Pet-Safe Holiday Food 

Holiday meals may be delicious to humans, but they pose significant health and safety risks to our four-legged companions. While preparing your holiday feasts this year, be sure to keep the following foods far from your pet, including: 

• Sweets and baked goods 
• Turkey and turkey skin 
• Gravy and meat fat 
• Onions and other alliums 
• Raisins and grapes 

Festive Gatherings 

The excitement of the holidays is part of the joy of the season. However, the same is not true for our pets. When our homes become filled with new faces and voices, our pets may become stressed and uneasy. To ensure festive gatherings are not too much for your pet, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure they feel safe and secure in their home. We recommend creating a comfortable, quiet area for your pet to retreat to during gatherings, such as a quiet room or their crate with soft blankets and their favorite toy. In addition, it’s important to ensure your pet is microchipped or equipped with a collar and name tag in the event they get spooked during your gathering and run off. 

For more ways to keep your pet safe, happy, and healthy this holiday season, contact your trusted emergency veterinarian in the wake of any accidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses you may encounter with your pet.