Best Friends Animal Society Offers Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe During the First COVID-19 Holiday Season

COVID-19 cases continue to surge around the country, so this year's holiday season may be a little quieter than usual. Gone are the guests, but there are still plenty of seasonal things that can be troublesome for your pets.  

Human holiday traditions such as food, decorations and plants that may seem harmless can be dangerous and even life-threatening to dogs and cats.  

"Our pets are naturally curious and love new things. The holidays provide a whole new world for them to explore that can lead to a potential illness or injury," said Erin Katribe, veterinarian and medical director for Best Friends Animal Society. "Since many veterinary offices have limited hours and services during the COVID-19 crisis, it's crucial to keep your pets as safe as possible, as a trip to the vet won't be as easy as in previous years." 

As such, Best Friends Animal Society offers the following tips to keep your dogs and cats safe during this first COVID-19 holiday season: 

Be aware that increased noise and lights can cause stress. If your pet seems agitated, turn down the music or consider placing your pet in a quiet, calm room with dim lighting. 

Curb the tendency to give your dog or cat human food. Any change in your pets' diet may give them indigestion, diarrhea or worse. Foods that people should avoid giving their pets include chocolate, grapes, onions, poultry bones, eggnog and fruitcake.  

Dispose of food trash in an outside receptacle as soon as possible.  

Holiday plants such as lilies, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are known to be toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach. 

The water a Christmas tree sits in is a breeding ground for bacteria and can be extremely harmful to pets. Keep water covered with a thick skirt so pets can't get into it.  

Tape electrical cords safely to the wall and make sure that all electrical connections, batteries, and outlets are concealed. 

Tinsel, ribbon, metal hooks, plastic and glass can obstruct or perforate the intestine if ingested. Use an alternative such as paper and hang decorations out of reach from your pet. 

Quickly dispose of wrapping paper, packages and bows after opening presents and put children's toys out of reach of pets after playtime to avoid accidental ingestion. 

Make sure your pets' identification and microchip are up to date in case anyone inadvertently leaves the door open during your holiday celebration. 

Some symptoms that your pet has become ill and should be taken to a veterinarian quickly include prolonged vomiting (more than three times in a row), dry heaves, a distended abdomen, sudden weakness or inability to stand, respiratory distress, change in gum color and/or seizures.  

"Pet owners should make a plan now in case their pets have an emergency over the holidays," Katribe said. "Start by researching what veterinary offices will be open in your surrounding area and keep a list of their phone numbers handy to call ahead if your pet shows any symptoms."