Posts in Category: Pet-Friendly Holidays

The day of hearts, flowers, and chocolates is just around the corner. While we may relish the thought of opening up a heart-shaped box of treats, this gift can wreak havoc on our four-legged sweethearts. And, of course, the more “off-limits” something is, the more attractive it can be – especially to dogs who enjoy experimenting with foreign flavors. Fortunately, while the outcome of a pet poisoning can be quite dire, this is an entirely preventable situation.

Food is a big deal, especially during the holiday season when the opportunities for feasting and overindulging seem nearly endless. For many pet owners, a holiday meal just isn’t complete until our four-legged family members have been allowed to sample the seasonal delights. Unfortunately, these table scraps could be endangering their health and their lives.

Luckily, there are plenty of safe (and tasty!) treats you can share with your pet. The team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital has put together a list of pet friendly holiday foods that are both healthy and delicious that will be sure to please even the pickiest pet!

One of our primary duties as pet owners is protecting our companions from danger. Pet-proofing our homes and yards, using only pet-safe cleaning products, and otherwise eliminating household risks represent just the tip of the iceberg. When a holiday pops up, there’s always some additional legwork required. Fortunately, with our guide to Halloween pet safety, you and your best friend have nothing to worry about!

Identifiable 

All cats and dogs benefit from having a microchip year round, but during Halloween, separations and escapes are much more common. ID tags and reflective collars are great additions to enhance Halloween pet safety.

Owners of black cats should be especially vigilant this time of year. These pets should remain inside as much as possible to reduce threats from pranksters.

For many people, Fourth of July is one of the best parts of the summer. Picnics, barbeques, parades, swimming, and, of course, fireworks are on the agenda, make for a fun and festive few days. It’s understandable to want to include the family pet in the revelry, but for many animals, this is a day filled with stress and anxiety.

Join us as we highlight the most important tips for Fourth of July pet safety, and keep the holiday safe for the four-legged members of your family. Continue…

There’s something special about a holiday season spent in the Fort Worth Area. Whether you attend The Nutcracker at the Texas Ballet Theater, bring the kids to see Santa at Sundance Square, or take in the sights at this years ICE! Exhibit, there’s something for everyone in our little corner of the world.

Our pets, on the other hand, most likely have a much different holiday experience than we do. Many of our seasonal delights can be downright dangerous for the four legged members of our families, and celebrating the holidays with pets means keeping an eye on safety.

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As we approach the holiday season, we’d love to tell you to celebrate with abandon, throw all caution to the wind, and embrace spontaneity. With pets in tow, it’s not always easy – or particularly safe – to put their needs on the backburner. However, what if you could wholeheartedly enjoy the season without compromising your pet’s well being? It’s not only possible, but holiday pet safety includes tactics that easily integrate into your family’s events and gatherings.

Up Go the Garlands

Festive decor turns any home into a holiday wonderland, but try to see garlands, wreaths, light strings, and other decorations from your pet’s point of view. Small parts that can either fall off or be chewed on can result in choking or gastrointestinal obstruction. Likewise, anything that’s stretched out low to the ground (or on top of a surface) can present entanglement issues.

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