Holiday Pet Safety

During the holidays it’s especially important to keep the safety of our furry friends in mind. Whether at home or for our pets in the workplace, here are a few tips provided by the ASPCA (www.aspca.org) that will help to ensure that the holiday season is enjoyable for all!

Make sure that your Christmas tree is securely anchored so that it doesn’t tip and fall, potentially injuring your pet. This will also prevent the tree water (which may contain fertilizers that can be toxic or cause an upset stomach if ingested) from spilling. Keep in mind that stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he/she drink it.

Avoid the tinsel. Many pets, especially cats, love this stuff and consider it to be something fun to play with. However, if swallowed, it can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery.

Keep all of the wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

While it’s commonly understood by pet owners that chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol is a big no-no, it’s also important to keep them away from just about any other variety of holiday fare and treats. Especially during holiday parties and gatherings, make sure to keep your pet away from the table and unattended plates of food or cocktails. Also, be sure to secure the lids on the garbage cans or promptly take out any trash after the party.

With all of the commotion and stimuli, pets are prone to anxiety during the holidays. Give your pet his/her own quiet space to retreat to, complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle.

Ditch the mistletoe, holly and lilies. Although a staple of holiday décor, they are toxic to animals so the faux versions are a far better option for pet owners. Holly, when ingested by pets, can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

Do you have a pet in your workplace or pets that come to visit your place of business? To find out more about being featured in our Pets in the Workplace story, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com.