We love our pets all year long, but have you seen them in holiday outfits? While adorable, not all holiday traditions are safe for pets. It’s important to take extra precautions during the holidays to ensure the wellbeing of your furry family members.

Decorations

Decorating creates a festive atmosphere, but your pets may be tempted to chew on and play with the decor. Broken decorations can cause injury or intestinal blockage if ingested and chewing on electric string lights can cause burns. Focus on decorating areas out of your pet’s reach, and if you will not be around to supervise, consider unplugging all decorative string lights.

Plants

Did you know there are popular holiday plants that are harmful to pets? Avoid emergency vet visits by knowing which are toxic.

Some popular holiday plants that are harmful to pets include:

• Poinsettia
• Holly
• Mistletoe

If you plan on having a live holiday tree in your home, do not use any kind of additive in the water because your pets may try to drink it. Finally, consider securing the tree to the ceiling or other supportive areas to avoid your pets pulling it down.

Food

Just like plants, there are quite a few foods that are dangerous for pets. Though it might be tempting to share when they stare at you with those cute eyes, refrain from feeding them table scraps.

Common holiday foods to avoid sharing include:

• Chocolate
• Fatty foods
• Sweets
• Onions, garlic and chives
• Fatty meats: They can cause pancreatitis, and hidden bones can splinter and cause mouth damage or choking.

Travel

If you are planning to travel, it is important to talk to your vet first about your pet’s ability to travel if you plan to take them along. You may also need a certificate of health when flying or crossing certain state lines.

Whether you are traveling by car or air, your pets should be properly restrained in a harness or carrier for their safety and never left alone. Also, remember to pack items they will need:

• Food
• Medications
• Toys
• Medical records in case of emergency
• Identification in the event they become lost

Taking these precautions can help ensure that your pets enjoy the holiday season as much as you do. For more information about pet insurance, contact an insurance professional at Westwood Insurance Agency today.