Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

With holiday festivities in full swing, Greenhill Humane Society offers suggestions to ensure that everyone’s furry friends enjoy the celebrations safely.

Greenhill’s Holiday Safety Tips include:

• Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the spilling of tree water, which may contain fertilizers that can cause an upset stomach.
• Know which holiday plants are poisonous. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
• It’s best to brighten your presents with other fun items aside from tinsel which kitties may see as a toy. If ingested, it may lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.
• Don’t leave lit candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over.
• Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
• Keep an eye on your pet when the sweets and cocktails are out. As tasty a treat may be for you, unattended plates, beverages, and garbage may lead to your pet getting into things they shouldn’t.
• While the humans are chowing down, feel free to give your pet their own treat. Stock their stockings with chew toys, Kongs filled with healthy foods, new balls, or a stuffed catnip toy.
• Be aware that common food ingredients this time of year can be poisonous to your pets. These include chocolate, raisins, grapes, and onions among others.
• If you have guests staying over for the holidays, make sure any medication is zipped up and packed away so no curious pets get into it.
• As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can scare pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also afraid of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

“We love including our pets in our fun holiday festivities, but remember to keep your pets safe and comfortable.”

– Kelly Fleischmann, Community Engagement Manager, Greenhill Humane Society

About Greenhill Humane Society
Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944. It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations. Greenhill is located at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. We envision a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect. In 2023, Greenhill assisted 5,356 animals through our life-saving programs. Greenhill dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, receive recommended vaccinations, and are microchipped. To learn more visit www.green-hill.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.