The holiday season is here, which means it’s time for celebration, joy, and time spent with your family and friends – including your pets!
During this busy time of year, it is important to keep your furry friend’s safety top of mind. Food, decorations, social gatherings, and other holiday staples can be potential hazards. With that in mind, here are four important tips to keep in mind to keep your pets safe and your holidays merry!
1. O Christmas Tree Safety
Christmas trees are the centerpieces of many homes’ holiday décor, but they can be problems for our pets (especially cats eager to climb and eat the tree). If you are planning on putting up a tree, remember to anchor or secure it so it won’t tip over; keep breakable ornaments higher up; block access to the tree stand water, which can harbor bacteria; and consider a pet-safe barrier around the tree to keep them safe.
2. Deck the Halls (with Non-Toxic Décor)
Festive plants are popular holiday decorations, but some of the most popular ones are toxic to pets, including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. If you’ll be using plants to set your wintertime scene, be sure to keep them out of your pet’s reach or consider researching pet-friendly alternatives.
Be mindful of other common decorations like tinsel, ribbon, string, lights, and bows, which can be tempting for your pet to play with but unsafe if chewed on or ingested.
3. Come All Ye Faithful Guests
We welcome all sorts of guests into our homes during the holidays, which can be both exciting and stressful for our four-legged friends. During your next gathering, create a quiet space with a bed, toys, water, and their favorite Post brand treats for your pet to retreat to if doorbells, party noise, fireworks, etc., become too overwhelming.
It’s also important for houseguests to be mindful of doors and gates so that your pet doesn’t escape out into the cold.
If you’ll be traveling with your pet, pack familiar items like bedding, Post brand pet food, and toys to ensure they feel at home.
4. Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding – But Not for Pets
Holiday meals often include foods that can be harmful to pets. Avoid giving your dog or cat turkey or chicken bones, which can splinter and cause choking or digestive issues. Make sure your pets have access to their own pet food or treats, so they aren’t tempted to help clean up any abandoned plates. Be sure to explore all of Post Consumer Brands portfolio of pet food products to find something they’ll enjoy.
Many popular side dishes are made with ingredients that are toxic to pets — including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate — and should always be kept out of their reach.
Holidays are a joyful time for everyone in our lives, pets included! Don’t forget to give them extra attention, stick as close to their usual routines as possible, and keep them fueled up with one of Post’s iconic pet food and treat brands.
Keeping these tips in mind will go a long way towards keeping pets safe. For more cold-weather tips and tricks, check out how to keep your cat warm during the winter season, winter walking tips to keep your dog safe and comfortable, and indoor activities to keep your dog entertained.