Santa Barbara Humane shares how to keep your pets safe and healthy this holiday season

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Thanksgiving is a time when many like to indulge.ahead of the holiday season.

"You don’t really want you pets to indulge. A lot of those fatty foods can really upset their pancreas. It is no good a lot of vomiting. They can get really upset so you know maybe a little bit of the white turkey meat, but skimp on all the other treats that you’re having," said chief veterinary officer Katie Marrie of Santa Barbara Humane.

Directors at Santa Barbara  Humane say local emergency hospitals tend to get busy during the holiday season. 

"Because there’s so many different things that the dogs can get into turkey bones like make sure that carcass is protected that the dog doesn’t get into it cause that can cause a lot of damage no bones and again don’t give them anything that they’re not used to," said Marrie.

If you’re planning a holiday party, Santa Barbara Humane wants pet owners to be mindful that your pets might not be used to large crowds. 

"A lot of people don’t think about is that you know their pets might not be used to a lot of people coming over so if you’re having a lot of people over make sure your pet is comfortable and in a secure environment, especially the doors opening and closing all the time we don’t want a bunch of loose, pets out and about," said Marrie.

"If you have a lot of people coming in and out of the home during the holidays especially on Thanksgiving and if you have new people who have never been to your home, there’s a chance of that your pets can get out," said chief philanthropy officer Paige Vantuyl of Santa Barbara Humane.

Santa Barbara Humane wants to remind the community there micro chip services are available during the holiday season.

"The county experiences a lot of strays and we don’t want to add to the problem so having your animal microchip is the best way to combat that," said Ventuyl.

Festive lights, fragile ornaments, and sweet treats also play a big role in many of our holiday celebrations. 

While these holiday staples may spread joy, they can also lead to something not so merry for your pets, like an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

Before you deck the halls in your home, the Santa Barbara Humane team says be careful with seasonal plants. 

Poinsettias, holly, ivy, and mistletoe make great holiday decorations, but they are toxic if your pet ingests them.

Experts advise to keep your festive plants outside or place them somewhere in your home so your pet cannot get to them.

If your pet likes to chew, be mindful of how you power your holiday lights.

In addition, they suggest to pet-proof your Christmas tree. 

Christmas trees and the ornaments hung on them can be alluring for pets in your home.

Anchoring your tree can stop it from tipping if your cat decides to climb it.

In order to prevent your ornaments from being chewed on, hang them out of reach on the tree’s upper limbs.

If your pet likes to chew, be mindful of how you power your holiday lights.

A wire can deliver an electrical shock if chewed.

As for holiday sweets, try to keep them out of reach. 

Holiday treats can be tempting for everyone including our pets.

But chocolate, grapes, raisins, and the artificial sweeteners can all cause serious health issues in cats and dogs.

"My hope for this Thanksgiving is that families and their pets stay safe and have a wonderful holiday," said Vantuyl.