Holidays and your pet
The holidays can be great times to spend with your pets.
Let’s go over some of the good things to do and keep in mind some bad things that can happen

The holidays can mean a difference in schedules and routines. The kids are home from school more than normal. Adults may have different work schedules than normal (either more days off or working more hours than normal). There may be house guests (both human and their pets) that the pets are not used to and just having more people present than usual can be upsetting to them. Be sure everyone gets along or take precautions to separate those that may have problems with someone new to their turf. Also be sure to keep a close eye on pets when outside doors are opening frequently. You don’t want to have an escapee especially if they are not used to being outdoors.
These changes can mean more time to pamper your furry friends. It may also be confusing to some of them that are used to a set routine. Keep this in mind if they are acting more anxious, changing eating habits, and maybe seeking more or less attention than normal.
There will undoubtably be different foods in the house than are there normally. Some foods that pets definitely must not have include ham, fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chives, leeks, gravy, and bones or skin of any kind. Artificial sweeteners containing xylitol can cause liver damage. If you are baking bread, keep the bread dough away from pets. It can swell in the stomach causing a blockage and it produces alcohol that can be poisonous to your pet. Keep an eye on the trash baskets as well. You may have someone that likes to forage in them for leftovers.
Maybe you don’t want them to feel left out completely so here are some things that they are permitted to have while you are enjoying your meal. Green beans, carrots, potatoes (all plain, cooked with no oil, butter, or spices), apple pieces (plain), shredded turkey (no skin), and canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling because it has spices that can make them sick).
Decorations can make your house more fun for guests and family but protect them from your pets by keeping them out of reach. Electric lights are beautiful to look at, but be sure your pets cannot chew on electric cords because of the risk of electrocution. Tinsel and other Christmas tree decorations can cause intestinal irritation and/or blockage. Many flowering indoor plants can make them sick or cause death if eaten so keep these out of reach as well.
A few outdoor items to be careful to avoid are mushrooms, antifreeze, mouse and rat poisons and moth balls.
There is a Pet Poison Control Hotline at 800-213-6680. It is available 24 hours.
Enjoy your holidays and help your pets enjoy them too.
