Keeping your pets safe during the holidays

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – With the bustling holiday season just around the corner, San Diego Humane Society reminds pet owners to consider their pets’ safety when decking the halls. Holiday decorations, seasonal plants and festive treats can sometimes be harmful for pets. To keep your pets safe and healthy this holiday season, keep the following tips in mind:

Tips for Keeping Pets Safe During the Holidays:

• Sharing all those holiday goodies with your favorite animal companion could be dangerous. Too much fatty or rich food can lead to digestive problems. Some foods, such as chocolate and onions, can be toxic.
• Instead, indulge your pets with a special pet food or treat in an enrichment toy or game, which will provide hours of entertainment while you entertain your guests.
• Dangling tree ornaments seem like great toys to cats and dogs. Be sure dangerous ornaments such as glass and tinsel (which can be a choking hazard) are hung on high branches, out of reach from little paws, and very well secured. Make sure any chords from lights are taped down or otherwise secured to prevent pets from chewing on them.
• Keep an eye on items under the tree, too! Ribbons and bows can be a choking hazard, and any packages filled with edible gifts are likely to be discovered.
• A number of holiday plants are toxic or can cause digestive upset to pets if nibbled or eaten, including ivy, holly mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies. Be sure all of the plants are kept out of reach from pets.
• Our pets can get just as stressed with increased guests, noise and activity. Make sure your pet always has a quiet place to escape the commotion.
• Pets thrive on routine and increased activity or visitors during the holiday season can upset that routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure the pet gets plenty of love and attention from you!
• Guests coming and going increases the potential for pets to escape through open doors. Keep your pets safely indoors and always make sure they’re wearing current ID tags and that their microchip information is up to date, just in case! If your pet is not currently microchipped, San Diego Humane Society offers $15 microchips at its San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside Campus locations. No appointment necessary, hours and locations can be found here https://www.sdhumane.org/services/microchipping

For more info: sdhumane.org