Last Minute Holiday Safety Tips for your Pet

We’re always looking for ways to update you on the latest potential holiday hazards for pets without scaring ourselves silly.  After all, there’s no reason to spend the holidays stressed about what your dog will or won’t get into, or how your cat always scratches that one aunt.

Instead, we should spend the holidays sure that our pets are healthy, content and safe. To take the load off, start preparing today with these holiday safety tips:

1. Designate a (very) high, preferably closed area for fatty foods, chocolates, raisins, grapes, and all stocking stuffer items to remain while the festivities occur. Stick to the plan.

2. Decorate accordingly. Tinsel is not appropriate for most pet-owning homes, and especially not for homes with cats. The same is true for ribbons and glass ornaments, as well as food decorations. If your animal can reach it in any way, it needs to be totally safe for that animal to break, eat, etc.

Instead of not decorating your tree, opt for creating a space away from the tree where your animals can spend the holidays. If they must be in the room, consider the decorations carefully—and then grab a baby gate.

3. Choose plants wisely. Poinsettias, lilies and mistletoe have toxic effects for cats and dogs. Specifically, lilies can be fatal, even if your cat has just a little taste.  Again, if you must decorate with these plants, be sure they are completely inaccessible to your pets.

4. Try Composure Pro. Ask your vet if you can grab some Composure for the holidays. This time of year can be incredibly stressful for animals, as they are part of the action without actually being part of the action. If you’re traveling, kenneling, or just want to keep your cat or dog in chill mode while your relatives visit, consider Composure.