Hidden Holiday Hazards: Keeping Your NWIN Pets Safe This Season

The holidays bring warmth and cheer to our Northwest Indiana homes, but as pet care professionals at The Pet Parlor, we know they also introduce unique challenges for our four-legged family members. Let’s unwrap the secrets to keeping your pets safe and happy while maintaining all the joy of the season.

Deck the Halls… Carefully

Your beautiful decorations might catch more than your pet’s eye – they could also pose serious risks:

Christmas Trees

• Secure your tree to prevent tipping
• Keep real-tree water covered and fresh (stagnant water breeds bacteria)
• Consider an artificial tree if your pet is particularly curious
• Place decorations higher on the tree (out of ‘paw-reach’)
• Skip the tinsel altogether – it’s particularly dangerous if swallowed

Holiday Lights and Cords

• Use cord covers or bitter apple spray to deter chewing
• Keep battery packs out of reach
• Tape down or cover any exposed cords
• Unplug lights when you’re not home to supervise

Dangerous Decor

• Avoid glass ornaments or secure them well
• Skip artificial snow (toxic if ingested)
• Keep candles out of reach or opt for flameless alternatives
• Store gift wrapping supplies safely between use

Toxic Holiday Plants

Many traditional holiday plants can cause serious problems for pets:

• Poinsettias (cause mild irritation)
• Holly berries (highly toxic)
• Mistletoe (can cause severe reactions)
• Christmas cactus (mild irritation)
• Pine needles (can cause digestive issues)

Consider pet-safe artificial plants or keep real plants in rooms your pet can’t access.

Festive Foods to Avoid

Holiday treats are tempting, but many can harm your pet:

• Chocolate (all types)
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Rich, fatty foods
• Alcohol
• Bones from holiday meats
• Unbaked yeast dough

Create a pet-safe space in your kitchen and ensure guests know not to share their goodies.

Party Planning for Pet Safety

When hosting holiday gatherings:

• Set up a quiet room with their bed, water, and toys
• Use baby gates to create safe zones
• Ensure exterior doors are monitored to prevent escapes
• Don’t forget to tell your guests about your pet rules
• Keep medications in secure locations
• Watch for dropped foods and drinks

Holiday Stress Management

Help your pet cope with holiday chaos:

• Maintain regular feeding and walking schedules
• Provide calming aids if recommended by your vet
• Create a designated quiet space
• Consider a professional pet sitting services if you will be gone longer than 4 hours

Emergency Preparedness

Keep these numbers handy:

• North Central Veterinary Emergency Center (Highland, IN):  (219) 881-1600
• Crossroads Animal Hospital (Crown Point, IN)  (walk-in; 24/7 emergency service): (219) 319-0679
• Hobart Animal Clinic (Hobart, IN) (walk-in; 24/7 emergency service): (219) 942-4442
• Your regular veterinarian’s after-hours contact
• The Pet Parlor (pet sitting services) (219) 588-3628

Essential Holiday Safety Products

• Pet gates for doorways and stairs
• Cord covers and management systems
• Pet-safe artificial plants
• Secure storage containers for treats
• Calming aids (beds, sprays, supplements) (See some options on Amazon available NOW)
• Camera monitoring systems
• Pet-friendly decorations
• Durable toy alternatives to holiday decorations

Professional Support

At The Pet Parlor, we understand the challenges of balancing holiday fun with pet safety. Our professional pet sitting and nail services can help with:

• Regular check-ins while you attend holiday parties
• Mobile nail trimming and smoothing services (eases stress on both you AND your pets)
• Maintaining routines during busy seasons
• Holiday pet sitting while you travel
• Peace of mind during this busy season

After the Holiday

Remember that hazards can linger:

• Clean up fallen pine needles
• Store decorations securely
• Check for dropped food/candy
• Monitor for delayed stress reactions

The Gift of Safety

The best gift you can give your pet this holiday season is a safe, happy home. Planning ahead and staying vigilant will help ensure your celebrations remain joyful for every family member – including those with four legs!

Need help keeping your pets safe during the busy holiday season? Contact The Pet Parlor for professional pet sitting services, nail trimming services, and mid-day pamper breaks in Northwest Indiana. We’re here to help make your holidays merry, bright, and worry-free!