Season’s Greetings! The hustle and bustle of the holidays has officially started. Many of us will be quite busy over the next few weeks. Your beloved pet will be right there at your feet as you prepare for seasonal events and activities. Be sure to keep your furry pal’s health and safety in mind! Here, a London, ON vet offers some helpful holiday pet care tips.

Decorate Carefully

Many traditional holiday decorations can actually be dangerous to pets. Ribbons, tinsel, ornament hooks, ornaments, and wreaths are all hazardous to our furry buddies. Make sure to keep these things well out of paws’ reach. That goes for candles and potpourri burners as well. You’ll also want to be careful with seasonal plants, such as poinsettias, holly, ivy, and yew, as they are toxic to pets.

Offer Safe Foods

We’re definitely looking forward to some of those delicious seasonal dishes! It’s fine to share some of that yummy food with your pet, but be careful what you offer. Many people foods are toxic to Fluffy and Fido! Dogs and cats can both enjoy plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat. Sodium-free broth is okay too, as is shredded deli meat. Never give your pet garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; grapes, currants, or raisins; nuts; alcohol; pitted fruit; avocado; raw meat, dough, or yeast; meat on the bone; or anything that contains xylitol.

Keep Pets Comfy

Some of our four-legged friends are basically little cuddlebugs that want attention 24/7. Others get very uneasy when things get loud or hectic. If you are hosting events this year, keep your furry friend in mind. Nervous pets may be more comfortable in a separate area with food, toys, treats, and bedding.

Purrs and Tail Wags

Don’t forget to get your furry best friend a special gift! Fido may like some new toys, or perhaps a new bed. If you have a yard, you may want to get your pooch a doghouse. If your canine buddy is a senior, consider getting him an orthopedic bed or pet ramps or stairs. As for Fluffy, she will also appreciate some new toys. A comfy bed will also bring on the purr, as will some great pieces of cat furniture.

Please contact us, your London, ON vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!