The holiday season is exciting, but remember that—while your pet enjoys joining the fun—they can get in trouble, and potentially have an emergency. Ensure you take precautions to prevent a pet holiday emergency. To describe how to keep your pet out of trouble this holiday season, our Oliver Animal Hospital team shares a pet patient’s letter to Santa Paws.  

Dear Santa Paws, 

My family has been talking about you a lot lately, and I figured I should reach out to you myself. To be honest, I don’t totally understand this whole holiday idea, but I’m not one to pass up an opportunity for treats. Now, I know you have a list about who should get gifts, and I’m writing to state my case for making it on the nice list. You’re probably aware of all pets’ holiday temptations—the delicious foods my family leaves sitting out, the decorations that look like toys, which I’m not allowed to play with, and all the strangers constantly barging into our home, which I know I haven’t invited. I’m proud to tell you that I’ve been a pro at fighting temptation and ensuring uninvited guests feel welcome. Here are a few examples to prove my nice-list worthiness. 

#1:  I did not eat the pie that was there for the taking

Safety tip: Keep food out of your pet’s reach

Last week, my owner spent all day baking a pie, and boy did that dessert smell good! I tried to help in the kitchen, but unfortunately I was escorted out after I tried to take a peek at the delicious treat on the counter. So, there I sat in the hallway as the glorious aroma wafted my way, and I drooled at the thought of taking a delicious bite. I mean, is it really too much to ask for my family to share a taste with their adorable pet? Anyway, hours later, the doorbell rang, and in walked our neighbors—the ones with that yappy Chihuahua I sometimes can’t help but chase. They sat down on the couch, and—right on the coffee table— my owner set down the pie I was dreaming about all day. After—like forever—the neighbors finally headed to the door. While everyone was distracted, I was astonished to see some uneaten pie, right there for taking. Now Santa Paws, everything in me wanted to gobble up that pie right then and there, but I remembered hearing my owner say that many of the foods people enjoy during the holidays contain ingredients that can make pets like me really sick, such as:

  • Onions, garlic, and chives
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Chocolate
  • Sugar-free treats containing xylitol
  • Raw yeast dough
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Caffeinated drinks

Like the very good pet I am, I did not indulge in pie, and that is the first reason to put me on the good list this year. 

#2: I admired the decorations without taking a bite

Safety tip: Decorate with your pet’s safety in mind 

OK, Santa Paws, are you ready for the next reason to put me on the nice list? Let’s talk about this whole holiday decorating thing. I mean, what’s that all about? My family plops an outdoor tree in the living room, throws on a bunch of shiny chew toys and ribbons, places a water bowl underneath, and then expects me to ignore these temptations completely. I know you’ll agree that it’s a big ask, but you’ll be happy to hear that I’ve kept my distance this year. Did you know that pets can become injured and sick if they give in to the temptation to play with the holiday decorations? Here are just a few dangers I’ve learned to avoid:

  • Christmas trees — If they are not properly secured, Christmas trees can easily fall on a pet. In addition, the water in the tree stand may contain chemicals that can harm a pet who takes a drink.
  • Tinsel and ornaments — Ornaments and tinsel strands look fun to play with, but if your pet ingests them, these decorations can block your four-legged friend’s intestines, causing decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weight loss. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the blockage. 

#3: I didn’t run out the open door

Safety tip: Supervise your pet when guests are at the door

My owner likes to have people over during the holidays, and that means the front door is constantly opening. I must admit, I am tempted to take advantage of an open door while my family is distracted, but Santa Paws, I am proud to say I’ve never bolted out. Of course, many pets are not as impeccably behaved as me, and pet owners should restrain their pet when the door is open.

Now, Santa Paws, clearly you can see that I am a very good pet who deserves to be on the nice list this year. I hope you’ll pass along my story to other pets and owners so they learn these safety and manners lessons. I also suggest you remind everyone to contact Oliver Animal Hospital if their pet gets in trouble, or needs a new-year wellness exam. 

Happy Howl–i-days!

— A Very Good Pet