How to Keep your Pets Safe During the Holidays

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The Christmas holiday is a little more than a week away. While many homes will be filled with food and decorations, some holiday items could pose a risk to your pets.

Head Veterinarian of Clay Hill Animal Clinic in Greenville Josh Gardener says he sees a lot of pet accidents during the holiday season. Many of them are caused by holiday decor.

“Cats are attracted to things that shine. And tinsel on the trees? Turns into linear foreign bodies. And those are really bad on the intestines,” Gardener says.

He says another huge problem is people sharing their Christmas treats with pets.

“Probably the most important thing to remember is that they don’t need to eat what we eat,” Gardener says. “We all overeat during the holidays, and we see a lot of problems with dogs in the days following Christmas and New Years.”

All of the veterinarians at the clinic agree. They say even if an owner thinks it is okay to give something to their pet, it probably is not safe.

“Hambones, chicken bones, or just chocolate? All those things are not good for dogs. And we tend to want to share with them while we’re celebrating. And that’s not a good idea,” Gardener says.

The Clinic also treats a lot of dogs injured in dog fights over the holidays.

“Family members bring their pets over and they’re not used to each other, they just don’t get along,” says Licensed Veterinary Technician Sydni Boutwell. “So maybe keeping them separated or try… you know, have people around them to separate them if something happens. Just be aware.”

Gardener says there are ways to enjoy family pets during the holidays, but you might have to make a few sacrifices.

“We can adapt to change a lot better than they can,” he says. “And you bring new things into their environment, and bad things can happen. So you just need to keep a close watch on them.”

If you have any pet emergencies over the holidays, The Clay Hill Animal Clinic does have an emergency number to call. Gardener encourages any pet owner to call their local veterinarian’s office and see what after hours services they provide.