Emergency vet appointments are not the way you want to spend the holidays! Your pets and your friendly vet would certainly prefer to be relaxing and enjoying festive fun too. So, what are some things to watch out for?

Foods 鈥� most people know that chocolate is toxic to pets. Also cooked bones, which can break into small pointy pieces that can cause problems. Onions, garlic, grapes, avocadoes, cherries 鈥� all bad for pets (don鈥檛 listen to recipes that say garlic is OK). And remember 鈥� pets might try to eat decorations that smell like food, or garbage that food has been dumped into.

Toxic Plants 鈥� some holiday plants like poinsettias, amaryllis and holly are toxic to animals.

Electric Lights and Cords 鈥� can be knocked over or chewed on and cause electric shock or fires.

Tinsel and Decorations 鈥� can be tempting for pets to play with, chew and swallow.

Fireworks 鈥� fireworks are very scary to pets, other domestic animals and wildlife. Pets often run away, and can get lost or hurt.

New People, Busy Times, and Strange Situations 鈥� sometimes the holidays get to be a bit much, and we just need a quiet place to chill out. It can be the same for your pet, make sure everyone respects your pet鈥檚 need for space. 

We don鈥檛 want to make any visits to the emergency room either. ALWAYS supervise kids around pets. Lack of supervision is the number one factor in kids getting hurt, and kids are most often hurt by their own pet or the pet of someone they know. If you are supervising the situation, you can watch for the signs that your pet is stressed and needs to be left alone. You can make sure that no one is doing anything dangerous like grabbing, hugging, or trying to ride on a pet.   

A little care goes a long way, and keeping everyone happy, healthy and safe is the best holiday gift ever! 

Optional 鈥渒ind cooking鈥� recipe:

Here is a lovely, unique dessert for your holiday table:

Cashew Coffee Chris-Mousse

Coffee Layer:

1/2 cup soaked raw cashews (soaked in water overnight, rinsed and drained) 

1/2 cup  rolled oats

2 Tbs melted coconut oil 

1 cup water

6 Tbs coconut sugar

6 Tbs cocoa powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp coffee grounds

Mock Mascarpone Layer:

1 1/3 cup soaked raw cashews 

1 cup water

1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

6 Tbs coconut sugar

3  Tbs coconut oil 

1 tsp vanilla

Blend each layer in a high-powered blender until smooth (adding extra water if necessary). Pour alternating layers in a glass and chill until served. 

Want to get fancy? Crumble cookies on top or dust with cocoa powder. 

Optional activity 鈥� 鈥淧aws in the Pantry鈥� (can just use the top words scramble or the whole page) 鈥� page 4 of the Living with Cats and Dogs Activity Book

Alistair Schroff, is with Increased ACCESS, (formerly Lakes Animal Friendship Society)