To many pet owners our pets are like family, so it's important to help them stay safe during the holiday season. As much as possible it is important to try and keep your pets on a regular routine, even during the holiday season. Although your extra activities of shopping, entertaining, and enjoying the seasons festivities may alter your normal scheduled activites, try to maintain regular feeding, exercising and play times for your pets.  

It is common that along with the holidays come special circumstances, from houseguests to decorations that can be unsafe for pets. However with a little extra care and diligence, you can help keep pets safe from these seasonal dangers.

Below is a partial list of some holiday safety tips for pets that you may want to keep in mind:

Trees

• Secure your tree so it can’t fall over on people or pets.
• Prevent your pets from getting to the water that keeps your tree lush and green. The water might contain fertilizers and bacteria that can make your pets sick.
• When decorating your tree, consider leaving off the tinsel. It can be very tempting for pets, and they may accidentally swallow it, causing internal damage that could require surgery. Also keep any ornaments, lights, electrical wires, and other potentially harmful additions that may interest pets out of their reach.

Decorations

• If you use lit candles, place them on a non-flammable surface, away from the areas your pet can access. And never leave burning candles or other flammables unattended.
• Although they commonly used as seasonal decoration, skip the mistletoe. And the holly. And the lilies and poinsettias. While these plants are often synonymous with the season, they can also be dangerous – even deadly – if pets decide to nibble on them.
• As with the items described above, be careful where you place edible decorations, such as popcorn garland and gingerbread houses. They shouldn’t be within reach of your pets.

Presents

• While placing presents under your tree or in other locations, keep any food items you’re giving as gifts tucked away so pets can’t tear into them. Under the tree is no place for these – especially if it’s something toxic, such as chocolate.
• Be careful of the goodies under the tree require batteries, don’t leave extra ones sitting out where pets can get to them and chew on them.
• Clean up thoroughly after opening the presents. Any ribbons or silica gel packs left out could look like a toy to your pet.

Parties

• When having a party or just your normal daily routine, ensure pets don’t sample the holiday treats by keeping human food and adult beverages out of reach, as well as a tight lid on the trashcan.
• Have guests, whether they are staying for a few hours or several days, keep their bags tightly zipped so pets can’t get into medications and other hazards.
• Have an escape location for your pets. Prepare a quiet room or a kennel with fresh water where pets can relax away from the noise and crowds of any celebrations you’re hosting.

Take your pets’ safety and well-being into account when you’re preparing for and celebrating the season so the entire family – furry or not – can enjoy the holidays together. If your pets do become ill despite your efforts, seek emergency help. One location is The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which operates a 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Contact Us!

We hope you and your pets have a safe and joy-filled holiday season. If you have any questions or needs be sure to call us, your local insurance experts at Fox Insurance Agency serving Portland, Beaverton, and throughout Oregon and Washington.  We are always ready to assist you with your home insurance policy, auto insurance policy, and other insurance needs. You can also increase your liability protection with a personal umbrella insurance policy. Just ask our agents if your situation may benefit from a policy like this. You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 to see about the other insurance products we offer.

From all of us at Fox Insurance Agency, we wish you a safe and joy-filled holiday season!