The winter holidays are an exciting time. We see family and friends that we miss during the year; we indulge in special occasion foods; and we adorn our homes and tables with festive colors and ornaments. However, some of the same things that we humans find so enjoyable can be hazardous for our four-legged companions. Avoid an emergency trip to the animal hospital by educating yourself about holiday pet dangers.

Holiday Pet Dangers

Food — especially chocolate — presents a real threat to cats and dogs. Our feline and canine friends lack the enzymes necessary to digest many common holiday foods. Because of this, foods like chocolate (especially dark chocolate) can cause digestive problems and even organ failure if ingested in large quantities. Holiday foods to look out for include garlic and onions, raisins and grapes, yeast dough, alcoholic beverages and avocados.

Holiday plants, too, can lead to a trip to the animal emergency clinic. Poinsettias, mistletoe, Christmas cacti and holly are all toxic to cats and dogs. And, don't forget the decorations. Tinsel can cause injury to a cat or dog's digestive system if swallowed. In addition, having people in your home who aren't used to living with animals can lead to your cat or dog slipping out of the house unnoticed.

Avoid an Animal Emergency over the Holidays

Keeping your pets safe during the holiday season requires paying attention to those things that can harm them. Make sure to cover food and to clear the holiday dinner table immediately after the meal. At Jefferson Animal Hospital in Baton Rouge, our veterinarian advises pet owners to forego holiday plants, place them outside or in a part of the house that's off limits to your pet. We also recommend that you have your pet microchipped, if you haven't already. This simple, inexpensive and painless procedure can ensure that your pet will be returned to you should he or she become lost. Ask our animal clinic staff about microchipping.

If your pet gets anxious when there are a lot of people around, consider boarding your cat or dog at our animal clinic. Our veterinarian asks that you make your pet boarding arrangements well in advance as space is limited and we want to ensure we can accommodate as many pets as possible.

What special precautions do you take around the holiday season to make sure that your pet stays safe? Do you board your cat or dog while you are away? Have you had to make a trip to pet urgent care during the holidays?