Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Kate S.

The holidays are an exciting time of family, friends, togetherness, and celebration. Unfortunately for our four-legged friends, the holidays can also bring unexpected health and safety risks. Here are some tips to keep your pets healthy and thriving through the new year!

Tip #1: Institute a “no feeding the pets” rule for guests

You love your animals and probably know what they should and shouldn’t eat, but others may not be as educated. Holiday guests may think they’re doing a kindness by sharing a bite of food here and there with your dogs or cats, but this can be quite unhealthy for them!

When inviting holiday guests to your home, you may want to institute a blanket policy of “no feeding the pets” to make things easier. That way, friends and family won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions or potential complications.

Tip 2: Have a plan for high-traffic days

The holidays often include parties and gatherings where friends and family are in and out of the house throughout the day. This poses a potential risk for animals to sneak out of the house unnoticed, especially if a guest accidentally leaves the door open.

It may be worth considering either posting a sign to keep doors closed at all times or simply keeping animals in a separate, closed room during holiday parties. In these instances, it’s best to be safe and minimize the potential risks of animals getting out and lost.

Tip 3: Check that your decorations are animal-safe

Decorating for the holidays is one of the most fun aspects of this time of year, but many holiday staples can pose unexpected risks for your animals.

Examples include:

• Tinsel and ribbon, which can become choking hazards
• Christmas tree water, which often has toxic chemicals and preservatives
• Electrical cords, which may cause shocks or burns if not properly secured
• Fake snow, which may be toxic to animals if consumed
• Essential oils and liquid potpourri, which can be harmful if exposed to animal skin

If you’re unsure about the health and safety of a particular decoration or holiday accessory, research the item and brand or contact your local vet and see what they would recommend. As with all things, it’s best to be safe and err on the side of caution.

Conclusion

We at A.R.F. hope you and your family have a fantastic holiday season and your four-legged friends have a time filled with love and joy! If you’re interested in fostering a dog or a cat, we are always accepting applications for fosters.

Our agency is run entirely by volunteers, and giving back is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays! Contact us with questions or to start an application today!

See our list of upcoming holiday adoption events.