MenuHoliday Safety for Langhorne Pets
The holidays in Bucks County sparkle with twinkle lights, festive food, and plenty of bustle. As your Langhorne vet, we know the season also brings a few hazards for curious paws and noses. Flowers Mill Veterinary Hospital, an AAHA-accredited practice in a warm, family-style setting, is sharing practical holiday pet safety guidance to help you celebrate without worry. Use these seasonal pet tips to keep your dogs and cats comfortable, calm, and out of trouble while you enjoy the festivities.
Festive Foods: What Stays Off Your Pet’s Plate
Between charcuterie boards and cookie trays, it’s easy for pets to snag something they shouldn’t. Some favorites on the human table are risky for animals, so set expectations with guests, and keep counters clear. Keep these off limits:
- Turkey skin, pan drippings, and gravy
- Cooked bones
- Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Sugar-free items with xylitol
- Alcohol and unbaked yeast dough
Many issues are avoidable by sticking to your pet’s regular diet and offering a few safe, vet-approved treats instead.
Decorations, Plants, and Party Prep
Shiny décor is catnip for curious paws. Before guests arrive or you head out for caroling, do a quick safety sweep:
- Secure Christmas trees to prevent tipping
- Keep tinsel, ribbon, and small ornaments out of reach
- Place candles and potpourri where tails can’t reach
- Hide or cover electrical cords and batteries
- Choose pet-safer plants; avoid mistletoe and holly
A little pet-proofing goes a long way. Provide a quiet room with water, a bed, and favorite toys so nervous pets can retreat from the noise.
Cold-Weather Walks and Winter Travel
Bucks County winters can be blustery. Shorten outdoor time on bitter days and protect paws:
- Use pet-safe ice melt on steps and walkways
- Wipe paws after walks to remove salt and deicers
- Consider booties or a protective paw balm
- Keep ID tags and microchip info current
Traveling to visit friends? Use a carrier or harness restraint, pack medications and a familiar blanket, and plan rest stops. Motion sickness meds and calming strategies should be discussed in advance with your veterinarian.
Common Seasonal Emergencies (and When To Call)
Some situations can’t wait. Contact a veterinarian promptly if you notice:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea after eating something new
- Bloated abdomen, restlessness, or unproductive retching
- Tremors, weakness, or sudden collapse
- Difficulty breathing or suspected foreign-body ingestion
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s better to call and ask. Quick action often means simpler care and faster recovery.
Low-Stress Hosting Tips
A little planning helps everyone relax, pets included:
- Exercise dogs earlier in the day to take the edge off
- Use baby gates or closed doors during mealtime and gift unwrapping
- Remind guests not to feed table scraps
- Provide puzzle feeders or long-lasting chews approved by your vet
These small steps keep holiday gatherings fun while minimizing risk and stress for pets and people.
Make Wellness Part of Your Holiday Checklist
Amid shopping and baking, don’t forget routine care. A pre-holiday wellness check is a great time to review vaccines, parasite prevention, and travel questions. If you’re boarding, confirm requirements well ahead of time to avoid last-minute surprises.