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Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
With the holiday season just around the corner, there are many precautions you can take to protect your pet from dangerous festive plants and toxic holiday foods. If ingested, some holiday plant and food staples can lead to thousands of dollars in costly emergency veterinary bills.
We at the MarketWatch Guides team want you and your pets to enjoy this holiday season. That’s why we’ve reached out to real veterinarians to learn which foods and plants are on your pet’s naughty list. You can also consider investing in pet insurance for financial coverage should a pet accident or emergency happen during the holidays.
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While unpacking holiday decorations can bring feelings of joy and excitement each year, your favorite holiday decor and seasonal plants can pose a threat to your pet. Dr. Bethany Hsia, a licensed veterinarian and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) who has been practicing for more than 12 years, warns about the dangers of common holiday plants. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies are considered particularly dangerous plants, ranging from “mildly toxic” to “highly toxic,” according to Dr. Hsia.
Here are a few other holiday decorations and plants that can pose a threat to your pet:
Even with careful planning, your pet may get into one or more of these holiday hazards. Should your pet ingest toxic plants or develop a blockage from holiday decorations, it may need immediate veterinary attention. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above or some suspicious bite marks where they shouldn’t be, we recommend contacting an emergency vet right away.
We all have favorite holiday dishes and traditions, but not all foods can be shared with your pets. “The whole festive period is notorious for a surge in admissions to our hospital, mainly due to food toxicities,” Dr. Hsia said. That said, pet owners should try to keep the following holiday foods away from their pets this season:
Just because your pet cannot enjoy the same holiday dishes as you, doesn’t mean it can’t have a treat of its own. If you want to give your pet a special holiday treat, ask your vet for safe homemade treats or buy treats from your local pet store.
Pets are part of the family too, so of course we want them involved in the holiday festivities. But any time your pet’s routine is disrupted, it can lead to unnecessary stress or even dangerous situations. As you plan your holiday get-togethers, consider these tips for a safe, stress-free environment for your furry family members:
“It is important that an owner doesn’t force their pet to interact with visitors. Holidays are a stressful time for everyone, and for those pets who are uncomfortable around visitors, owners should let them choose to be away from them,” Dr. Bain said.
By creating a quiet space and allowing your pet to greet your guests on its own time, your holiday party can be one that both two-legged and four-legged party guests enjoy.
While some households may be hosting guests, others may have to travel to see family members. Whether you plan to drive 20 minutes away or travel across the country to see your loved ones, you can follow these safety tips for traveling with a pet:
Even if you take every precaution, accidents can happen. To be prepared should you find yourself in an unforeseen pet emergency, keep these pet emergency preparedness tips in mind:
The holidays can be a busy time, which is why it’s important to prioritize pet safety. As you decorate the tree and roast the turkey, you can also protect your pets by being aware of which holiday foods and flora should be kept out of reach. Our holiday pet safety tips can help you relax and enjoy a hazard-free holiday season with your furry friend.
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
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