Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners in South Florida

Lakeside Animal Hospital
A dachshund wearing a santa hat is sitting next to gifts.

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of danger for pets. With all the extra food, decorations and guests around, it’s important to take some extra precautions to keep your furry friends safe.

Here are some holiday safety tips to keep your fur babies out of harm’s way:

Food

  • Many holiday foods are dangerous for pets, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and onions. Keep these foods out of reach of your pets and be sure to clean up any spills immediately.
  • Don’t give your pet cooked seasoned meats either as they are high in fat and can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
  • If you’re having a holiday party, be sure to let your guests know about the foods that are dangerous for pets. Ask them to dispose of any food scraps properly and to keep their drinks out of reach of pets.
  • If you’re traveling with your pet during the holidays, bring their regular food, treats and water to avoid any stomach upset.

Decorations

  • Some holiday decorations can be dangerous for pets, such as tinsel, ornaments, and electric cords. Keep these decorations out of reach of your pets and be sure to supervise them closely when they are around them.
  • If you have a Christmas tree, secure it to the wall or ceiling so that it doesn’t fall over. Place the tree in a corner of the room where your pet is less likely to bump into it.
  • If you’re one of the few in South Florida that have a fireplace, be sure to gate it off so that your pet can’t get too close. Hot coals and ashes can be dangerous for pets.

Guests

  • Many pets are shy or nervous around strangers. If you’re having guests over for the holidays, introduce them to your pet slowly and calmly. Give your pet a safe place to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
  • If you have young children visiting, supervise their interactions with your pet. Teach children how to interact with pets gently and respectfully.

Travel

  • If you’re traveling with your pet during the holidays, make a plan for how you will transport them safely. If you’re flying, be sure to check with the airline about their pet policies.
  • If you’re driving with your pet, take breaks every few hours so that they can stretch their legs and go to the bathroom.
  • If you’re staying in a hotel, call ahead and make sure that they allow pets.

Other Safety Tips

  • Keep your pet’s identification tags up to date in case they get lost.
  • Microchip your pet so that they can be identified if they are found.
  • If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, arrange for someone to care for your pet.

South Florida Tips

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and happy holiday season and beyond!

Dog Boarding in Plantation FL
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 11 October 2024
Discover what dog boarding involves and how Lakeside Animal Hospital provides compassionate, expert care for your pet while you’re away. Learn about our tailored services and trusted veterinary supervision.
Best Veterinarians in Plantation, FL
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 30 September 2024
Discover how to find the best vet for your pet with our top tips! Explore skilled local veterinarians accepting new appointments. Call today!
Dog & puppy vaccines
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 6 August 2024
Protect your furry friend with top-quality dog vaccinations in Plantation FL at Lakeside Animal Hospital. From puppies to seniors, we offer the best canine vaccines.
French Bulldog at veterinarian
by Dr. Frione & Dr. Towning 24 July 2024
Learn about the essential dog vaccinations your pet needs in Plantation, FL. From core vaccines to vaccination schedules, ensure your dog stays healthy and protected. Contact Lakeside Animal Hospital today for expert veterinary care.
A dog is laying down with a toothbrush in its mouth.
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 25 January 2024
February is National Pet Dental Health Month! This month is dedicated to educating pet owners on the importance of dental care for their furry companions. Just as a dentist stresses the importance of brushing our teeth daily, it is equally as important for our pets to maintain good oral health. A wide range of factors […] The post Make Your Pet’s Dental Health a Priority this Year and Beyond appeared first on Lakeside Animal Hospital.
A puppy and a cat are sitting next to each other on a yellow and blue background.
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 22 December 2023
Did you bring home a new furry family member this holiday season? Whether your new furbaby is young or old, they will need a few things to help get them acclimated to their fur-ever home. Help make the transition easier for them and you with this essential supply checklist: For Both Puppies and Kittens: For […] The post Essential Supply Checklist for Welcoming a New Pet appeared first on Lakeside Animal Hospital.
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 20 November 2023
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from allergies, which can manifest in various ways, most commonly as skin and ear infections. If you notice your dog itching excessively or shaking their head frequently, it’s crucial to inspect their ears for any abnormalities. If an infection is present, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Common […] The post Understanding Dog Allergies: Signs, Causes and Treatment appeared first on Lakeside Animal Hospital.
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 30 October 2023
Meet Benny, the adorable pup we’re focusing on today. One of the essential aspects of pet care is ear cleaning. Let’s explore the best methods for keeping your furry friend’s ears healthy and infection-free. There are two primary techniques we recommend for this task, and we’ll walk you through the steps and some essential tips. […] The post How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears At Home appeared first on Lakeside Animal Hospital.
A dog is eating from a red bowl.
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 15 September 2023
As pet owners, we often find it difficult to resist those big puppy-dog eyes when our furry companions beg for a taste of what’s on our plates. While it’s essential to prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet for our canine friends, there are a few human foods that can safely be shared as occasional treats. […] The post 20 Human Foods Safe for Your Foodie Dog appeared first on Lakeside Animal Hospital.
A dog is standing on its hind legs with its tongue out.
by Lakeside Animal Hospital 24 July 2023
Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe from Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm this Summer and Beyond As the summer sizzles on, it’s just as important to keep your pet healthy as it is to take care of yourself. Record heat and consistent rain continues to torch and saturate South Florida this summer, creating the perfect environment […] The post Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm – Oh My! appeared first on Lakeside Animal Hospital.
More posts
Share by: