With the holidays approaching, it’s important to consider how the change in weather and home atmosphere can impact your pets. Taking time to make adjustments and accommodations now is the best way to help keep your pets healthy throughout the season. Here are several helpful veterinary care tips to keep your pets safe over the holidays.

4 Veterinary Care Tips for Pet Safety During the Holidays

1. Be Mindful of Seasonal Plants

Between Christmas trees, holly, and poinsettias, many families introduce their pets to a variety of festive plant life during the holidays. Keep in mind that plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects if ingested by your pet, including an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach to ensure they remain part of your decor—rather than your pet’s dinner.

2. Provide a Safe Retreat During Parties

When hosting large holiday gatherings, timid and shy pets may feel threatened and seek a safe place to hide. To avoid adding unnecessary stress and anxiety, ensure your pet has a quiet, separate room they can rest in. Don’t forget to leave out fresh water and cozy bedding for them to snuggle into while you’re busy hosting your guests. After everyone leaves, it’s recommended to give them lots of love and attention in the room, leaving the door open afterward, so they can venture out once they feel safe.

3. Don’t Leave Candles Unattended

There’s nothing better than a delicious-smelling holiday candle to make your home feel warm and cozy. However, an open flame that is left unattended can pose a dangerous threat to your furry friends. It’s best to always set your candles in a holder on a stable surface and blow them out before you leave a room to avoid your pet burning herself or knocking it over.

4. Say No to Sweets

While your pet may feel like part of the family, it’s best to avoid sharing human sweets with them, even during special occasions like the holidays. To keep them healthy, always ensure chocolate and foods with xylitol sweeteners are never easily accessible to them. Also avoid macadamia nuts and raisins/grapes. This may mean keeping an eye on plates left unattended, storing sweets in secure containers, and properly securing trash can lids at all times.

If you’re looking for an animal hospital to help meet your veterinary care needs, turn to the compassionate and friendly team at Montgomery Animal Hospital. Located in Cincinnati, OH, they have been helping keep customers’ furry friends healthy and happy for the last 65 years. In addition to reliable pet diagnostic services, they’re also experienced in exotic and senior pet care to ensure every animal gets the specialized medical attention they need. To learn more about their professional veterinarian team, visit them online. You can also call them directly at (513) 791-7912 to schedule a veterinary care appointment today.