Pet Safety: Holiday Parties

The holidays can be a time filled with family, friends, food, and plenty of cheer. If you are a pet owner and hosting a holiday party, it is important to take measures to keep your pet safe and comfortable during the festivities.

Pet Friendly Feasts

Keep a close eye on pets in the kitchen. There are many holiday foods that can be dangerous to pets including raw yeast dough, turkey or ham bones, and desserts.
Pets may get sick from eating too much. It is best to keep them on their regular diets during the holidays.
Secure trash away from pets. Have a place for guests to throw away or compost uneaten food so it is not left out to tempt your pets. Quickly dispose of food scraps, bones, and packaging.
Make sure plates and drinks (especially alcoholic beverages) are not left unattended.

Secure Your Home

Create a safe place for pets to take a break from crowd. A separate room with a favorite toy may reduce your pet’s stress.
Make sure doors and gates are kept closed. Keep a close eye on pets especially when guests are entering or leaving your home. Consider keeping your pet on a leash and behind a gate or closed door to keep them away from exit points.
Ensure your pet has proper ID tags with current information in case they do get out of the house.

Safely Decorate

Watch pets around holiday decorations. Avoid candles and turning on the fireplace when pets are around.
Be mindful of what decorations pets have access to, especially if they tend to eat or chew on items other than toys.
Avoid fresh floral arrangements that could be toxic to pets.
For other decorating safety tips, please check out this article.

Be Mindful of Guests

Understand that some guests may not be comfortable with pets. Have a safe place already set up in your home for your pet to stay if necessary.
Remind guests not to feed your pets. Offer for your guest to give them a treat or toy instead.
Hang bags and coats on hooks or in a closed room to keep them away from pets. The bags or pockets may contain food, medication, or other hazards dangerous for pets.

We hope you have a very joyous and safe holiday season with your pet! For more information on keeping pets safe during the holidays, please check out Pet Safety: 7 Holiday Hazards.

Protect your pets year-round with pet insurance. Contact IBA for more information.