12/24/2024
Happy Holidays from your High Country Veterinary Hospital team! The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with loved ones, including the furry ones who bring so much joy to our lives. By taking a few precautions, you can create a festive, safe, and inclusive holiday environment where pets feel just as cherished as everyone else.
The holidays are filled with tempting treats, but many of these can be harmful to pets. Foods like chocolate, raisins, some nuts, and anything containing xylitol — a sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies, baked goods, and toothpaste — can cause severe health issues. Keep in mind fatty or creamy foods can lead to stomach upset.
Gingerbread houses and similar edible decorations should also be kept away from pets. Instead, consider creating non-edible versions from materials like wood, cardboard, or Legos. Certain holiday plants are another potential hazard. While poinsettias aren’t generally poisonous, they can irritate pets’ mouths or cause gastrointestinal upset. Other popular holiday greenery — such as mistletoe; holly and holly berries; yew and yew berries; lilies; Christmas roses; and amaryllis bulbs — can be toxic. For a safer option, try reusable silk plants or pet-safe alternatives like Christmas cactus, orchids, and roses. Certain decorations and ornaments also require caution.
From playful pups to curious cats, every pet has unique preferences that can guide gift-giving. For example, gifts like orthopedic beds for older pets or time with a trainer for energetic dogs can enhance their well-being and strengthen the bond with their owners. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, multi-level cat trees, and other enrichment activities are thoughtful and practical gifts that provide entertainment, mental stimulation, and exercise for pets. Regardless of the gift, it’s important to prioritize safety. Toys and accessories should be appropriately sized — as large dogs can choke on items meant for smaller pets — and free of small pieces that could be pulled off and swallowed.