You enjoy giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones during the holidays, especially to your beloved pet. Pets’ gift options are innumerable, but one of the most loving and important gifts you can give your pet this holiday season is safety. The holidays are the most wonderful time of year, but the season can also be a pet’s most dangerous time of year. Our Companion Veterinary Clinic team wants to ensure your furry friend avoids a potential holiday emergency, so we are sharing a list of gifts that promote your pet’s safety and wellbeing during this festive time of year and beyond. 

Pet safety gift #1: Healthy holiday treats

The holidays are all about indulgence, but many holiday favorites can be dangerous for pets. Prevent your pet from eating these especially toxic items:

  • Onions and garlic
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Chocolate 
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Xylitol
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • High-fat foods
  • Meat bones
  • Bread dough

You can safely include your pet in the fun by serving up pet-friendly holiday treats that will make their tail wag in delight. Check out Pinterest for some great pet-safe recipes. If your pet is on a special diet or has food sensitivities, consult with our veterinary team before you plan the menu. Remember, treats should account for only 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake, so keep their portions small. Your pet will feel extra jolly as they chow down on their holiday treat, and you can enjoy your meal guilt-free.

Pet safety gift #2: A quiet oasis

Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for your pet, and they may see the constantly opening door as a way to escape the chaos. Ensure your pet is properly identified, so they can be returned if they slip outside and go missing. Your pet should be microchipped, which is the best form of permanent identification, because a chip can’t be lost or removed. In addition, your pet should wear a collar and identification tags with your current contact information. During holiday gatherings, provide your pet with a quiet escape area where they can go if the crowd becomes too much for them. Place your pet’s bedding and favorite toys in the area, and ensure your guests stay away from your furry pal’s quiet oasis.

Pet safety gift #3: Protection from the elements

Cold holiday winter weather can be fun for pets who enjoy the snow, but when the temperature plummets, you must take precautions to ensure your pet is safe and warm. Keep your pet indoors when temperatures drop, and if you have a sensitive pet, limit time outside to short potty and play breaks. A cold-sensitive pet may benefit from clothing, such as a coat, sweater, and boots, to help regulate their body temperature and ensure they stay comfy and cozy when cold winds blow.

Pet safety gift #4: Pet-friendly decorations

The season’s beautiful decorations are meaningful to us, but to a curious pet, they are temptations that pose serious health risks. As you prepare to deck the halls, protect your pet by following these simple precautions:

  • Choose pet-friendly floral arrangements — Many popular holiday floral arrangements contain plants that can be harmful or toxic to pets, including holly and mistletoe, evergreen, lily, azalea, and poinsettia. Check out the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and choose pet-friendly flowers for your holiday decorations.
  • Cover electrical cords — Many pets like to chew electrical cords, so ensure your cords are secured or covered to prevent an electrical shock and potential fire hazard.
  • Leave the lowest Christmas tree limbs bare — To your pet, the Christmas tree may look like a playground where they can jump, climb, and paw at hanging ornaments. Because the temptation may be too much for your pet, place ornaments and lights on high branches and set up a barrier to keep your curious pet away from the Christmas tree when you aren’t able to supervise. 
  • Switch to light-emitting diode (LED) candles — Candles are cozy but can easily be knocked over by a wagging tail or swatting paw. In addition, some scented candles and potpourris pose a respiratory risk to pets, because they have sensitive airways. Eliminate this fire hazard and keep your pet safe by using LED candles, which give a realistic candlelit look without a live flame’s risk.

Pet safety gift #5: Appropriate toys 

Festive pet gifts include squeaky toys, plush characters, rope toys, and chew bones. However, toys are not one-size-fits all. Prevent injury by selecting gifts that match your pet’s playing and chewing style, and always monitor your furry pal when they play with a toy. Consider gifting your pet with one of the following:

  • Puzzle feeder 
  • Dental chews 
  • Lick mat
  • Kong

Your pet will love any gift you give them if it means they can enjoy spending quality time with you. However, the best gift you can give your pet is the gift of wellbeing. Schedule your pet’s wellness visit with our Companion Veterinary Clinic team, and enjoy the holidays knowing your pet is in good health.