Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group
  • Home
  • Quotes
    • Property >
      • Home Quote
      • Condo Quote
      • Mobile Home Quote
      • Renters Quote
      • Vacant Property Quote
      • Landlords Quote
      • Flood Quote
      • Personal Inland Marine Quote
      • Vacant Land Quote
      • Builder's Risk Quote
    • Vehicles >
      • Auto Quote
      • Motorcycle Quote
      • Snowmobile Quote
      • ATV Quote
      • RV Quote
      • Golf Cart Quote
      • Scooter Quote
      • Roadside Assistance Quote
    • Life >
      • Life Insurance Quote
    • Medical >
      • Health Quote
      • Dental Quote
      • Vision Quote
      • Critical Illness Quote
      • Disability Quote
      • Medicare Supplement Plan Quote
      • Long Term Care Quote
    • Business >
      • Business Quote
      • Inland Marine Quote
    • Boatowners Quote
    • Umbrella Quote
    • Travel Guard Quote
    • Private Horse Owner Liability Quote
  • Products
    • Property >
      • Home Insurance
      • Condo Insurance
      • Renters Insurance
      • Mobile Home Insurance
      • Personal Inland Marine Insurance
      • Vacant Land (Personal)
      • Vacant Property
      • Flood Insurance
      • Builder's Risk Insurance
      • Landlords Insurance
    • Vehicles >
      • Auto Insurance
      • Scooter Insurance
      • Classic Car Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
      • RV Insurance
      • ATV Insurance
      • Snowmobile Insurance
      • Golf Cart Insurance
      • Roadside Assistance Insurance
    • Life >
      • Life Insurance
      • Guaranteed Issue
    • Medical >
      • Health Insurance
      • Dental Insurance
      • Vision Insurance
      • Critical Illness Insurance
      • Disability Insurance
      • Long Term Care Insurance
      • Medicare Advantage Plans Insurance
    • Business >
      • Business Insurance
      • Inland Marine Insurance
      • Commercial Marine Insurance
    • Boatowners Insurance
    • Aviation Insurance
    • Umbrella Insurance
    • Travel Guard Insurance
    • Private Horse Owner Liability Insurance
  • Service
    • Report a Claim
    • Update Contact Info
    • Policy Changes
    • Proof of Insurance
    • Free Home Inventory Checklist
  • Blog
  • About
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Carriers
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Quotes
    • Property >
      • Home Quote
      • Condo Quote
      • Mobile Home Quote
      • Renters Quote
      • Vacant Property Quote
      • Landlords Quote
      • Flood Quote
      • Personal Inland Marine Quote
      • Vacant Land Quote
      • Builder's Risk Quote
    • Vehicles >
      • Auto Quote
      • Motorcycle Quote
      • Snowmobile Quote
      • ATV Quote
      • RV Quote
      • Golf Cart Quote
      • Scooter Quote
      • Roadside Assistance Quote
    • Life >
      • Life Insurance Quote
    • Medical >
      • Health Quote
      • Dental Quote
      • Vision Quote
      • Critical Illness Quote
      • Disability Quote
      • Medicare Supplement Plan Quote
      • Long Term Care Quote
    • Business >
      • Business Quote
      • Inland Marine Quote
    • Boatowners Quote
    • Umbrella Quote
    • Travel Guard Quote
    • Private Horse Owner Liability Quote
  • Products
    • Property >
      • Home Insurance
      • Condo Insurance
      • Renters Insurance
      • Mobile Home Insurance
      • Personal Inland Marine Insurance
      • Vacant Land (Personal)
      • Vacant Property
      • Flood Insurance
      • Builder's Risk Insurance
      • Landlords Insurance
    • Vehicles >
      • Auto Insurance
      • Scooter Insurance
      • Classic Car Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
      • RV Insurance
      • ATV Insurance
      • Snowmobile Insurance
      • Golf Cart Insurance
      • Roadside Assistance Insurance
    • Life >
      • Life Insurance
      • Guaranteed Issue
    • Medical >
      • Health Insurance
      • Dental Insurance
      • Vision Insurance
      • Critical Illness Insurance
      • Disability Insurance
      • Long Term Care Insurance
      • Medicare Advantage Plans Insurance
    • Business >
      • Business Insurance
      • Inland Marine Insurance
      • Commercial Marine Insurance
    • Boatowners Insurance
    • Aviation Insurance
    • Umbrella Insurance
    • Travel Guard Insurance
    • Private Horse Owner Liability Insurance
  • Service
    • Report a Claim
    • Update Contact Info
    • Policy Changes
    • Proof of Insurance
    • Free Home Inventory Checklist
  • Blog
  • About
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Carriers
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact

Harris, Reed & Seiferth
​Insurance Group Blog

Pet safety tips for the holiday season

12/7/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The holidays are an exciting time of year for all members of the household, but especially for your four-footed friends! It can be a challenge to keep the enthusiasm to a minimum with an energized pup or stubborn kitten, and once those decorations go up and the food comes out, there's really no telling what they'll get their little paws into.

I grew up with a little Cockapoo dog named Jake and he LOVED to eat. Anything we dropped on the ground during dinner (ahem, broccoli, beans, peas…) was quickly vacuumed up by him. In hindsight, leaving our homemade fudge under the Christmas tree was definitely a mistake. Who knew a canine could sniff that out through the wrapping paper?! With an entire batch of chocolate fudge gone and a mess on the sidewalk from the poor pooch, we learned our lesson.

While this season can bring their joy, if you're not careful about pet-proofing your home, poor Fido (or in my case, Jake) could be set up for despair. Check out how these six unassuming seasonal items could put your pet in danger.

Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are a holiday staple, and while they certainly add to the festivities, they can be pretty distracting for your pets. The following items should be kept out of reach from your curious friends.
  • If you own a cat, forget about the tinsel. This shiny decoration can cause severe damage to their intestinal tract and can prove deadly if ingested.
  • Ornaments can be both a choking hazard and, if broken, the sharp pieces can cut your pets paws or mouth. Place fragile ornaments out of reach and let the softer ornaments made out of plastic or fabric rule the bottom branches.
  • The tree itself can be a safety hazard for your pets if they climb up on the branches. Additionally, live pine needles can puncture your pet's intenstines if ingested. Place your tree in a corner and firmly anchor it to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from toppling over.
  • Any ribbons or strings on wrapped presents can lead to choking or strangulation for a curious pet. While the additional decorations are attractive, we suggest nixing them to avoid the risk.

Food
One of the best parts about the holidays is the food! All those tasty desserts and platters can make anyone's mouth water. But remember my story before? Mr. Fluffy might love that rich chocolate for the first few minutes, but consuming even a little bit can turn that festive evening into a nightmare.
  • Chocolate is an essential during the holidays but is toxic to cats and dogs. All chocolate, fudge and candy contain dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Pay extra attention when these treats are out during a get-together, and consider storing them in a drawer or cupboard when you're not enjoying them.
  • Turkey and turkey skin, even in small amounts, can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis which, in the long run, can cause severe organ and brain damage.
  • Bones from any fish, meat or poultry, big or small, can cause problems if splintered during consumption. Keep to the regular rawhides and hardened, sterilized bones for those yummy treats. For more information, check out what Healthy Pets has to say.
​Plants
You've probably heard by now that poinsettas are hazardous for your pets, but did you know that holly, mistletoe, hibiscus and potpurri are even more dangerous? Holly can cause an upset stomach and be potentially fatal. Mistletoe also upsets the stomachs of both cats and dogs and can cause heart collapse. Hibuscus can cause diarrhea, and who needs more cleanup during the holidays?! Dry potpurri (while not technically a plant) can cause vomiting while liquid potpurri can cause thermal or chemical burns, oral and stomach ulcers, drooling and vomiting.

When decorating for the holidays this year, be sure to place these plants out of your pet's reach or settle for a realistic imitation.
Picture
Scented Candles
Candles are particularly attractive to pets because of their smell, taste and texture. However, as you can imagine, a lit candle can quickly become a major fire hazard if tipped over or scooted against a flammable object. Make sure all candles, both wicked and wickless (candle warmer), are placed above the reach of your four-footed family members and are always supervised by a responsible adult.

Snow Globes
According to The Catnip Times, many snowglobes have been found to contain ethylene glycol, also known as antifreeze, which is highly toxic to all pets. If a snowglobe breaks or has a leak, even one teaspoon of this concoction (two teaspoons for dogs) when ingested can be fatal.
If you believe your pet has injested any of this substance, immediately seek help and call your family veterinarian.

Electrical Cords
Make sure all electrical cords are carefully hidden so your dog doesn't make a chew toy out of them! Any kind of penetration past the protective coating of the cord can cause electrical shock to your unsuspecting pooch. Pro Tip: run the cords through PVC pipe or an extra cardboard roll of wrapping paper to avoid accidental traumas!

Keeping these tips in mind can help you make sure the holiday season is safe and festive for you and your pets! Have any other tips? Let us know by sharing in the comments below.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Contact Us

    ​(561) 768-8176
    6650 W. Indiantown Rd., Suite 210
    ​Jupiter, FL 33458

    Archives

    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017

    Categories

    All
    Boats
    Business
    Dental
    FAQs
    Financial
    Flood
    Health
    Home
    Insurance
    Life
    Local
    Motorcycles
    RV's
    Safety
    Snowmobile

    RSS Feed

Connect With Us

Contact Us

Click Here to Email Us

Navigation

Homepage
Insurance Quotes
Policy Service
Insurance Products
Contact Us
Agent Login

Share This Page

Florida
6650 W. Indiantown Rd., Suite 210
Jupiter, FL 33458


(561) 768-8176

Texas
11811 North Freeway, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77060

(713) 487-5538

Website by InsuranceSplash
© 2023 by HARRIS, REED & SEIFERTH INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Ian Sane, allesopdemotor.nl de meest informatieve motor site, Carl Johan, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, Jim Larrison, martinrstone, Gamma Man, onnola