7 Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Holiday Events
-7 Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Holiday Events-
Pets are a beloved member of your household. As real estate professionals, we always strive to help keep pets safe during the homebuying and home selling process. This time of year, it is also important to protect your pets during holiday events and gatherings in your home.
Specifically, safety is critical when different foods, drinks, and plants are brought into your home by you or your holiday guests. Some items could be quite dangerous or even fatal for your pets if inhaled or ingested. Here are tips for homeowners to keep pets safe this holiday season.
Protecting Household Pets and Preventing Poisonings
- First and foremost, if you ever suspect a poisoning, immediately contact your veterinarian or local pet clinic. Time is of the essence with these matters, and it is important to act quickly to keep pets safe and healthy.
- Always keep an eye on your pets during holiday gatherings or when guests are visiting. The safest thing to do may be to secure your pet in a separate room away from the action. If your pet is mingling with guests, politely ask guests to not feed your pet any table scraps.
- Also, encourage your guests to keep both food and drinks in high, out-of-reach places, as opposed to a low coffee table where your pet may be able snatch something.
- Avoid serving fruits and nuts, which can easily drop to the floor and can cause vomiting, tremors, lethargy, or kidney problems when ingested by pets. A few of the most dangerous are macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, and citrus. Also, holiday beverages like alcohol, coffee, and tea are not safe for pets. A pet sneaking a sip could become sick or experience irregular heart rhythms.
- Importantly, chocolate and holiday sweets are NOT treats for Kitty and Fido. Chocolate contains toxic chemicals for pets, including theobromine. Additionally, those “sugar-free” items, including candies, gum, and sweets, may contain the toxic chemical Xylitol, which could cause liver damage and blood sugar fluctuations for pets.
- Also, be vigilant about safety when baking and cooking. The ingestion of unbaked doughs can be fatal and cause expansion in your pet’s stomach as well as cause other negative bodily reactions to yeast. Keep a clean kitchen by clearing counter tops and securing trashcans with lids.
- Finally, be careful with holiday plants. Mistletoe and holly contain toxic chemicals causing extreme stomach-upset and critical-care issues. Ingesting a small amount of poinsettia can cause nausea and vomiting, while a large amount could be fatal. And if you have a live tree, be sure to prevent any drinking of water from the tree stand, which could contain bacteria.
For a more complete list of ways to keep pets safe, please consult with your veterinarian. Your vet is the best source of guidance for caring for your pets.
We consider pets an important part of the real estate process. Let us help you sell your property or find a perfect home to enjoy with your dogs, cats, birds, and other pets. Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen today at 813-294-5786 for pet-friendly real estate advice.
