Halloween

Repeatedly opening doors- to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your pet running out.  Keep an eye on their whereabouts at all times.  If feasible, keep cats in a secure area or closed room when opening doors.

Candles-pets are naturally curious, and may be attracted to the bright lights of the flame in dark areas.  Dogs and cats could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candle over, starting a fire.

Xylitol- Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet.

All forms of chocolate- Can be harmful to your pet, potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.


Thanksgiving

Bones- Turkey, chicken, and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find in a pet store.  These small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so NEVER give them to your pet.

Hot containers- Your dog or cat will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking.  Keep an eye on hot containers so that your pet does not tip them over and get burned.


Christmas

Holiday plants- Christmas rose, Holly Lilies and mistletoe are all toxic to dogs and cats.

Ribbons- It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke.

Bubbling Lights- Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.

Fire Salts- Contain chemicals that could be harmful to your pets.

Angel hair (spun glass) - Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.

Christmas tree water- Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.

Decoration Hooks- Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal track if swallowed.

Styrofoam- Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.

Ornaments- These can looks like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.

Tinsel- Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.


New Year’s

Balloons and confetti- These fun New Year’s party decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.  Keep an eye on your pets when they’re around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated.

Loud Noises- New Year’s is typically a noisy holiday.  Unfortunately, loud noised frighten pets and can cause them to run off.  Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.


Cold Warnings

If you park your car outside make sure you check your engine to make sure a cat didn’t climb inside to warm up.

After your dog has been outside wash their feet free from any salt so they don’t get salt burns.

During cold weather don’t leave your pets outside for long periods of time because they can get frostbite.