Our pets are part of the family, and the holidays just aren’t the same without them by our sides. From giving them gifts to making them special meals, pet parents sure know how to spoil their furry, feathery, and scaly friends during this time of year. As you’re planning your holiday celebrations, we hope these tips will keep your Santa-Paws, Santa-Caws, and Mistle-Toad merry and safe.
1. Program Our Number into Your Phone
The holidays are chaotic. When an emergency occurs, the time it takes to Google our number can become the difference between life or death for your pet. Save our number now, so you don’t have to scramble should an emergency occur. That’s right. Take out your phone and add Homey Gnome Vet to your contacts at 651-202-3388. If you’re unsure if your pet needs immediate attention, you can always give us a call on your way.
While you’re at it, you can also save:
The Pet Poison Helpline for 24/7 assistance: (855)764-7661
Como Park After Hours for care should we be closed: (651)487-3255
2. Keep Human Food Handouts to a Minimum
The holidays are a time of sharing and caring. Unfortunately, these two things can come in conflict for pets when it comes to human food. Too much human food can make your pet sick, and the wrong foods can be fatal. Be sure you share your handout policy with guests as they arrive. If you’re unsure if your Grandpa can resist your puppy’s sad stares, you may be better off keeping your dog in another room. The same is true of cats and your other critters.
What else can you do to protect your pet?
- Provide appropriate treats should guests want to share with your pet.
- Never leave food unattended when your pet is present.
- Keep any gifts containing food stored out of paw’s reach.
- Never let your dog, cat, or bird consume: chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, or alcohol
3. Secure the Tree and Your Holiday Decor
If you’re putting a tree up this year, choose a location that your pet does not have access to. At the very least, be sure your tree will not topple on top of your curious cat or canine. Be mindful of where you place ornaments and other decorations that can easily break or be swallowed. And never let your pets drink out of the tree stand.
4. Fake Plants Are Really Safe
While hollies, poinsettias, mistletoe, and lilies help set the holiday scene, they are also poisonous to many pets, including birds. If you want to green up your celebration, consider opting for imitation options, instead. You can celebrate without worry about watching your pet near the greenery and you can reuse your false plants again next year.
5. Opt for Faux Flames
Candles are a Christmas and Hanukkah must-have, but real candles present quite a few problems for pets. From accidental burns to tipping over a candle and causing a fire, you don’t want to take the real risk of real candles. Not only can candles turn the holiday into an emergency, but the perfumes in candles can cause your bird’s, dog’s, or cat’s nasal passages to dry out or allergies to flare up.
We Hope You Have a Happy and Safe Holiday This Year!
Don’t forget to give yourself a gift this year. We happen to know the perfect present for pet parents. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by bringing your pet to Homey Gnome for a checkup. Knowing your pet is healthy for the holidays is the perfect present for any caring and compassionate pet owner.
Meowy Christmas and Holidays from the Homey Gnome Veterinary team!
Image credit: Jessica Lewis | Pexels