As the festive cheer of the holiday season spreads wide, so does the necessity for vigilance, particularly for our furry companions. The Kent Police Department recently released essential safety tips on social media to shield household pets from common holiday hazards. These guidelines are critical not just for long-standing pet owners but especially relevant for those welcoming new animals into their homes during this period.
The advisory pinpoints decorations like tinsel, ribbons, and tree lights as potential dangers, with ingestion often leading to serious internal injuries. Notably, the enchanting glow of lit candles also poses a risk: "We’ve seen cats lose their whiskers on a holiday table when they play with lit tapers," the Kent PD's statement noted. In the culinary realm, certain festive foods, including chocolate and alcohol, are named directly for their toxicity to dogs. The Kent Police have therefore urged the public to keep such treats out of pets' reach.
Plants associated with the holidays, such as holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias, are also highlighted as toxic and should be kept distant from pets—and children, for that matter. The Police have further cautioned against using tree holder additives if your dog treats it as a spare water dish, and to secure waste cans to prevent any determined pet from hazardous explorations through the trash.
The hustle and bustle of celebrations, coupled with changes in routine, can be disorienting or even alarming for some pets, leading to escape attempts. Hence, the department's insistence on secure door practices and a quiet, safe space for pets during parties. "ALSO, Have an ID tag AND a tracker on your dog’s collar. If they run, you can find them. If the tracker fails, they can be returned quickly with info on the tag," the social media post emphasized, showing an acute awareness of the dangers that disoriented pets face amidst the festivities.
For those facing pet emergencies related to poisoning, the Kent Police Department recommends contacting the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, both of which offer round-the-clock expert advice. "Your best friends count on you to keep them safe and well. Please share," the department reminds. Indeed, the message from law enforcement is clear: while the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, the safety of our pets should remain paramount.
