Paws and Claus: A Pet's Guide to a Safe and Festive Holiday Season

As the festive season approaches, the team at Audubon Family Veterinary Center is excited to share some tips and advice to ensure your furry family members enjoy a safe and happy holiday season alongside you. Thanksgiving and Christmas are times of joy, celebration, and delicious food, but they also come with a few potential hazards for our pets. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the holidays with your beloved pets in mind.

Thanksgiving Treats and Tips:

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and feasting, and it’s natural to want to share some of that joy with your pets. However, caution is key:

• Turkey: While plain, cooked turkey meat is generally safe for dogs and cats, avoid giving them turkey skin, which can be too fatty, or bones, which may splinter and cause injuries.

• Stuffing and Gravy: Ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain herbs found in stuffing and gravy can be toxic to pets. It’s best to keep these off their plates.

• Desserts: Chocolate, raisins, and certain artificial sweeteners found in many desserts are dangerous for pets. Be vigilant about keeping these treats out of reach.

Instead, consider offering your pets a small amount of plain, cooked pumpkin or sweet potato, which is both tasty and healthy for them.

Winter Holiday Cheer for Pets:

As the winter holidays roll around, the festivities continue with new potential hazards:

• Food and Alcohol: Be cautious with food and alcohol. We have gotten many calls about pets getting into alcohol on holidays, which can be very dangerous for them.

• Decorations: Tinsel, ornaments, and ribbons can be tempting for pets to play with, but can cause serious internal issues if ingested. Ensure decorations are secured and out of reach. Lights are another concern—my cats love to chew on them, and they can be a shock hazard, especially for curious puppies or kittens. Keep candles away from curious kitties or powerful tails that like to knock things off counters.

• Christmas Tree Water: If you have a real tree, the water may contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. Cover the water reservoir to prevent any accidental drinking.

• Holiday Plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are common holiday plants that can be toxic to pets. Consider choosing pet-safe alternatives or placing them well out of reach.

For a pet-friendly holiday treat, try baking some homemade pet cookies using pet-safe ingredients. Not only will it be a special treat for them, but it’s also a fun activity for the family!

General Safety Tips:

1. Secure Trash Bins: With all the extra food and packaging, make sure trash bins are securely closed to prevent your pets from getting into harmful leftovers.

2. Quiet Space: With guests and festivities, ensure your pet has a quiet space to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Watch the Exits: With company coming over, be sure everyone is mindful of pets that may try to sneak out into the cold.

4. SALT! Use pet-safe salt on the ground and boots to protect paws from ice, cold, and burns from salt put out by others.

Remember, our team at Audubon Family Veterinary Center is here to support you through the holiday season. If you have any concerns or questions about what is safe for your pets, don’t hesitate to reach out. We wish you and your pets a joyful and safe holiday season filled with love and companionship!