Your pet holiday safety guide

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 12:29 pm

For many, December is a time of joy, gatherings and festivities, often in our homes. While we know what to expect, our beloved pets may not be as prepared. It’s important to ensure they have a stress-free break, too. Protect your pets’ physical and mental health over the festive season with these tips.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• Tips from an expert for how to keep your furry friend happy and safe during the holidays.

Put your pets first

“It’s important that you create a quiet and safe space for your pets during excitable periods when entertaining guests,” advises Allan Perrins, resource development and communications officer for the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, adding that if you have people over, you should provide toys for your pets to keep them occupied and positively distracted.

Fireworks

Fireworks are an animal’s worst nightmare, and should not form part of any festivities. “Inconsiderate neighbours who set off fireworks can be reported to your local law enforcement agency. It’s become unlawful to discharge fireworks anywhere in the Cape Metro and many enlightened municipalities,” maintains Perrins.

Seek treatment

If you suspect that your pet will become anxious and stressed due to fireworks (loud noises or bright lights), then ask your vet to prescribe your pet some calming supplements or meds. “Try to drown out the noise with music, and reassure your pets during these stressful episodes,” encourages Perrins. 

The dangers of decorations

Electrocution, internal injuries or intestinal blockage can be fatal for pets, so keep all electrical wires (including decorative festive lights) well away from your pet, who may be tempted to chew on them. Tinsel is also a choking hazard, so remember to position it well away from the bottom of the tree where pets can reach it, urges Perrins.

If your dog or cat accidentally injures themselves, be sure to follow these steps before seeking medical attention.

Festive plants are a no-no!

Some festive plants and flowers can be toxic to pets, including poinsettias, ivy and lilies, so avoid buying these if you have four-legged friends in your house. “Ingested pine needles can also get lodged in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction, so it’s best to ensure that your pets do not chew on branches or needles that might fall off the tree,” explains Perrins.

Here are some other house plants that can be poisonous for your pet.

Alcohol and chocolates

Try to pet-proof your house as part of your festive season routine by placing any potentially hazardous items (such as alcohol and chocolates) well out of reach of your pets, who may be tempted to take a nibble. He also reminds all pet owners to never hang chocolate decorations or anything tempting that will attract their pet’s attention.

Perrins also suggests that you ensure all waste is responsibly discarded, as many pets, given the opportunity, will rummage through the trash for anything edible. “Make sure your guests understand not to feed your dog table scraps,” he advises.

Water safety

Just like children, dogs and cats must be supervised closely, and homeowners should always follow typical pool safety precautions. “Preferably keep your pool covered or fenced off to prevent tragedy,” advises Perrins.

When it’s all too much

Despite making every effort to keep your pet calm and happy over this crazy period, your beloved furry friend might still bolt. This is why timely preparation is key. “Ensure that your pets are easily identifiable in the event of them escaping the property. We would recommend microchipping over and above a collar and identity tag,” concludes Perrins.