A Guide to Holiday Pet Safety

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and… let’s be honest- a bit of chaos. With visitors coming and going, doors swinging open, and the kitchen smelling like a five star restaurant, it’s easy for our pets to get overwhelmed or, worse, slip out unnoticed.

Whether you are a seasoned pet owner or a first time foster parent, keeping our furry friends safe is the best gift we can give them. The Bond Between has the complete guide to navigate the holiday hustle while keeping your pets (and fosters!) happy and secure.

Prevent the Great Escape

With guests arriving, the front door becomes a high-risk zone. Losing a pet is the last thing anyone wants during a celebration. Please take the following steps to reduce the risk of your pets escaping: 

• Update Your Info: Before the party starts, double-check that your pet’s microchip information and ID tags are current.

• Secure the Perimeter: Ensure collars fit snugly. Use baby gates near entryways or keep pets in a secure room while guests are arriving to prevent a "door-darting" incident.

• Enlist Your Guests: A quick "Hey, please watch for the dog when you come in!" goes a long way. Ask visitors to be mindful of closing doors and gates behind them.

Create a Quiet Zone

Even the most social pets can get "peopled out." This is especially true for foster animals who may still be adjusting to a home environment.

• The Safe Space: Set up a quiet bedroom or spare bathroom with their bed, favorite toys, and fresh water. This gives them a retreat if the noise becomes too much.

• Distraction is Key: When guests first arrive, set your pet up in their safe space with a frozen Kong, a chew, or a puzzle toy. This keeps their brain busy and helps them stay calm during the initial excitement.

• Positive Reinforcement: If your pet is mingling and doing well, reward, reward, reward! Use treats and praise to help them associate new people with good things.

Safe Festive Treats

We all want to include our pups in the holiday feast, but many traditional dishes can lead to tummy troubles or dangerous vet visits.

The "Yes" List (In Moderation):

• Sweet Potatoes & Pumpkin: Plain and cooked is best. Avoid sugary pie fillings or marshmallows!

• Veggies: Plain green beans, carrots, and peas are excellent, crunchy snacks.

• Cranberries: A few fresh cranberries or a tiny bit of unsweetened sauce is a festive treat.

  
  

⚠️ The "No" List: 

• Chocolates: Keep your pet away from chocolates! They are toxic to dogs. Many types of sugarfree candy/gum contain xylitol (a common sugar substitute) which is toxic in dogs.

• Meat: Avoid all meats in general. Fatty meat scraps have the potential to cause severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or bloody diarrhea.

• Others: Onions, garlic, grapes/raisins, alcohol, and anything containing Xylitol 

  
  

Decorating with Safety in mind:

Festive arrangements and lights add magic to the season, but some are better left out of the house entirely.

• Floral Red Flags: Lilies: These are highly toxic to cats; even a small amount of pollen or vase water can cause acute kidney failure. Mistletoe & Holly: Both can cause severe stomach upset, and in large amounts, mistletoe can lead to heart issues or seizures.

• Watch Out for Wires: Festive lights mean extra cords. A single bite can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock. Use cord protectors, tape wires down, or route them high out of reach.

• Battery Hazards: Keep an eye on battery-operated toys and décor. A punctured battery can cause devastating chemical burns to the mouth and esophagus.

• Ornament Awareness: Shards from broken glass or plastic ornaments can damage a pet's mouth and digestive tract. Hang fragile heirlooms on the top third of the tree and stick to shatterproof ornaments for the lower branches.

• Secure the Christmas Tree: Christmas trees can pose quite a few potential threats to furry companions. If you are planning to put up a tree, make sure it is tightly secured (you can even anchor it to a wall or ceiling with a fishing line!) so there is no chance it can tip over and hurt any pets nearby.

Special Note for Foster Parents

Hosting can feel intimidating when you have a foster animal, especially with snowy holidays on the horizon. Remember that you are their advocate! If your foster animal seems stressed, it is perfectly okay (and often better!) to let them enjoy the evening in their quiet safe space rather than forcing social interaction.

By taking these small steps, you ensure the holidays stay merry, bright, and safe for every member of the family- two-legged and four-legged alike.