Goleta Veterinarians Caution of Common Holiday Pet Hazards

Goleta veterinarians and animal vet clinic staff want you to enjoy the holiday season’s festivities and time with family. But we also want you to be particularly careful around your furry family members during this time. The holidays bring some common pet hazards. As responsible owners, we know you want to keep your pets safe during the celebrations.

A big part of quality pet care is being aware of preventive measures for healthy, happy companions. The following are common dangers to your pets:

Hazardous Foods – Make sure your pet does not have access to turkey or chicken bones. These can become lodged in the throat and stomach. Also, pets should never have chocolate since it contains theobromine, which is toxic for them.

Holiday Tree and Plants – A holiday tree can be dangerous if your pet eats pine needles. Their stomach can be punctured. Don’t add preservatives to the tree stand water. In addition, other holiday plants like mistletoe and holly are highly poisonous if eaten.

Ornaments/Decorations – Cats are notorious for getting into string, so tinsel and ribbon are appealing to them, but can cause serious digestive tract issues if ingested. And keep a watch out for broken ornaments or sharp decorations.

Electrical cords – Hide cords and extension cords so they are not accessible for your pet to chew on.

Candles – Never leave a candle unattended. Be especially watchful of wagging tails and inquisitive cat paws around candles. Hot wax can cause burns.

Added Stress – Normal routines during the holidays can turn hectic and can result in extra people coming into your house, which can be stressful for your pets. Also, with people in and out, be extra cautious of animals sneaking out. Your pets should have ID on them at all times.

Goleta or Santa Barbara pet owners should call our animal vet clinic if you have any questions about pet hazards or pet care. And if your pet experiences any of the above, call an emergency vet immediately.

What preventive actions have you put in place during the holidays to keep your pets safe?