For many, the Christmas holidays mean peace, relaxation, and celebrating with family and friends.
But, for some of our pets, the holiday season also becomes a time of stress and emergency visits to the vet.

Here are some precautions you can take to make the holidays as fun for your furry friends as they are for you.

1: Strings, ribbons, icicles and other fine decorations

Do not leave strings or pieces of gift ribbon hanging within reach of your furry friends.
Tinsels (tinsels) are particularly dangerous, as they can tear the intestines and even become knotted, causing intestinal blockage.
The results can be disastrous and would require an emergency visit to the vet.

2: Electric wires

Be careful with electrical wires. They pose a serious danger to animals that can chew on them, which would expose them to electric shocks and burns. The same goes for the tree.

3: Ornaments

As you decorate your homes, remember that pets don't understand words like "heirloom," "fragile," or "sentimental value."
Several dogs and cats, and even ferrets, are regularly found responsible for knocking over trinkets and ornaments.
You can prevent these breakages by keeping heavy ornaments close to the floor,
the precious ones high up on the tree or on shelves, so out of reach of curious mouths, noses, and wagging tails.
Also pay attention to the Christmas tree. It is quickly knocked down by a curious dog, cat or climbing ferret. Attach it to the wall.

4: Plants

Be careful about the plants you bring into your home.
Poinsettias and other more exotic plants can cause skin irritations, as well as intestinal upset.
Also keep your companions away from holly berries and leaves.
Check out a complete list of poisonous plants before bringing decorative plants into your home.

5: The Holiday Meal

We're not the only ones who sometimes eat too much of a good thing.
By stealing leftovers, rummaging through trash cans, and even running his tongue across counters, your pet may be swallowing too much fatty food for his stomach.
This can lead to serious stomach problems, and even inflammation of the pancreas, which could be fatal.
Close your fridges and trash cans tightly, keep your dishes at the back of the counters,
and stick to your companion's usual diet, even if he asks you otherwise!

6: Loud noises and music

Children and adults alike enjoy celebrating with horns, bells, and there are other forms of noisy gifts as well.
However, for the ears of your companions, these noises can be extremely frightening.
If you anticipate there will be a lot of noise in your home, make sure your companion is safely housed in a place away from such noise.

7: Stress

A house full of guests can cause a lot of stress for your pets.
All animals need attention, but too many close faces, too many different smells, and too many unfamiliar hands can create a frightening and stressful situation.
If you'll have a lot of guests coming and going to your home during the holidays, try to provide your companions with a secluded room where they can feel safe.
Let your guests know that this room is off limits.

8: Tell Santa not to bring any animals that day

Many parents love the idea of ​​surprising someone with a puppy or kitten for Christmas.
Yet it is not kind, nor even fair, to put an animal in the hands of someone who has not committed, and who has not agreed to take responsibility for that animal.
Pets are not toys and they require a lot of care, attention and affection.
Many of the animals that are given away at Christmas end up being abandoned at shelters within weeks.
Even if you've discussed it and decided to bring in a new pet, a party is really not the right time to do so.
During the holidays, the house is full of excitement, decorations, toys, but sometimes also filled with stress.
All the excitement can cause the newcomer to become confused and agitated.
So, if you've decided it's time to add a new member to your family, wait until the week after Christmas, and introduce the pet to a quiet environment.
If you want to give a pet to someone who has already agreed to receive such a gift in their home, you can wrap a certificate, so that this new owner can pick up the pet at a more convenient time.

Your 4-legged friends say “THANK YOU” for thinking about their safety!