The holiday season is one of the best times of the year for families, and pets are very much part of the celebration. But between Thanksgiving dinners, house guests, gift wrapping and New Year parties, the weeks from late November to January also bring plenty of risks for curious dogs and cats.
BudgetVetCare, the online pet health store that supplies flea, tick and heartworm treatments, supplements and care products across the United States, has shared practical advice for keeping pets safe during the holidays. Here is a guide to the most common hazards and how to prepare for them.
Stock up on pet care essentials at BudgetVetCare.
Why the Holidays Can Be Risky for Pets
As BudgetVetCare points out, the holidays bring several potential hazards together at once. Unfamiliar ingredients, food scraps, an overflowing trash can, decorations and doors opening and closing as guests arrive can all lead to accidental exposure or injury for a curious pet. A little planning helps you keep your pet safe while still letting them join in.
Holiday Foods to Keep Away from Dogs
Not every festive dish is toxic, but many are unsafe because of their ingredients, fat content or the way they are prepared. BudgetVetCare advises keeping these foods out of reach:
Onions, garlic and chives: common in stuffing, gravy, casseroles and seasoning blends, these Allium vegetables can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
Turkey bones, skin and fatty scraps: cooked bones can splinter or cause choking, blockages or injuries, while fatty foods like skin, gravy, butter and drippings can cause vomiting or diarrhea and, in some dogs, pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins: these can affect kidney function, so keep them and foods that contain them, such as some cakes and chocolates, well out of reach.
Chocolate: it contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors or potentially life-threatening poisoning.
Xylitol: this sweetener, found in some sugar-free sweets and baked goods, can cause dangerously low blood sugar and potentially liver damage.
Alcohol and raw yeast dough: alcohol is toxic to dogs, and raw dough can ferment in the stomach and produce alcohol.
If you would like to share a little of the holiday meal, BudgetVetCare suggests offering small amounts of plain, cooked, boneless and skinless turkey with no seasoning, as a treat rather than a replacement for a balanced diet.
Decorations, Gifts and Other Hidden Dangers
It is not only food that causes problems. BudgetVetCare lists gift boxes, wrappers, candles, electrical cords and bouquets of flowers that may be toxic to pets among the items that attract curious noses. Guests’ bags and personal belongings can also contain medicines or snacks that are unsafe for animals.
Keep decorations and cables out of reach, never leave lit candles unattended, tidy away wrapping paper and ribbons after opening presents, and ask visitors to keep their bags off the floor.
Set Some House Rules for Guests
Well-meaning guests are often the biggest risk. A pet-loving visitor might slip your dog a bite of food without realizing it contains onion, garlic or raisins. BudgetVetCare recommends keeping pets out of the kitchen while food is being prepared, securing the trash and asking guests not to feed your pet unless you have approved the treat.
Create a Calm, Safe Space
Busy, noisy gatherings can be stressful for pets. Your dog does not have to spend the day shut away, but having a retreat helps. BudgetVetCare suggests:
A quiet room, crate or gated area with their bed, fresh water, familiar toys and a pet-safe treat or food puzzle.
Plenty of exercise before guests arrive, such as a good walk, to give them an outlet for their energy.
Regular meals rather than rich leftovers.
Secure exits, especially when guests are coming and going, and an up-to-date microchip registration with your current contact details.
For pets that become anxious when their environment changes, BudgetVetCare notes that calming supplements such as Zylkene may be worth considering. Always ask your veterinarian whether a calming supplement is right for your pet.
Browse calming, digestive and joint care supplements at BudgetVetCare.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Dangerous
If you think your pet has eaten something unsafe, act promptly and do not wait for symptoms to appear. BudgetVetCare advises removing any remaining food, working out what your pet ate, roughly how much and when, and keeping the packaging or ingredient list handy. Then call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service for guidance.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison expert specifically tells you to. While you wait for advice, watch for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, unusual behavior, tremors, difficulty walking, seizures, abdominal pain or collapse. Some toxic exposures do not show symptoms straight away.
For mild stomach upset that your veterinarian has diagnosed, they may recommend supportive care, and BudgetVetCare mentions that digestive supplements such as Dorwest Digestive Tablets may help in some cases. If you suspect poisoning, however, do not give a supplement and follow your veterinarian’s advice.
Keep Routine Treatments on Schedule
The holidays are busy, and it is easy to forget a monthly flea, tick or heartworm dose. Setting a reminder or using an automatic reorder service helps keep your pet’s protection on track while you are focused on hosting and travel. BudgetVetCare offers an Auto-Delivery option that saves 5% on every order, so treatments arrive on time without you needing to remember.
Why Shop with BudgetVetCare
BudgetVetCare stocks leading pet health brands, including Frontline, Heartgard, Interceptor, NexGard, Revolution, Sentinel, Bravecto, Simparica, Dorwest and Apoquel, along with supplements, joint care, dental, skin and coat products for dogs and cats.
The store promotes free shipping on all orders (conditions apply), a 100% satisfaction promise, easy returns and refunds, and a rewards program that lets you earn points on every dollar spent. New customers can also get an instant $10 reward when they sign up. Customer support is available by phone at 1-800-797-5305 and through online chat.
Enjoy a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season
With a few simple precautions, the holidays can be safe and enjoyable for every member of the family, including those with four legs. Keep risky foods out of reach, secure the trash, give your pet a calm retreat and make sure guests know the house rules. Shop pet health essentials at BudgetVetCare and get ready for the festive season.
Prepare for a pet-safe holiday season with BudgetVetCare.
