Most Canadians look forward to the holiday season as it's a chance to kick back, relax, and enjoy the company of their closest friends and family. That said, holiday celebrations come with several potential hazards, especially for your pets. To keep your pets safe, stick around as the experts at BrokerLink outline the top holiday hazards for pets and holiday safety tips, so you can enjoy a happy holiday season with peace of mind.
Greatest hazards for pets during the holiday season
Whether you have a curious pet or not, the holidays can lead to several hazards that put the health and safety of your pet at risk. Here are some of the most common hazards to watch out for:
1. Holiday plants
Holiday plants are a main risk for pets that can cause liver failure, kidney failure, and even death, given that most seasonal plants are toxic. Common holiday plants to avoid in your home, especially if you have curious pets include:
- Azaleas
- Amaryllis
- Evergreens
- Ivy
- Lily
- Juniper
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Chrysanthemums
- Poinsettias
While these festive plants range in toxicity, it's best to keep them away at all costs from your pet's mouth as a safety precaution.
2. Baking chocolate
Baking can also spell trouble for pets. Whether it be milk chocolate, bread dough, and other food-based materials used to make holiday meals and treats can attract pets, especially those who show signs of food aggression.
3. Christmas trees
Your Christmas tree is also a holiday pet safety hazard, even more so for cats and other curious pets. They may chew the wires on your lights, running the risk of electrical shock or home fires. Should your pets climb on your tree, they can become unbalanced and your tree could fall on top of them, causing physical injuries. Breakable ornaments can also cut your pet and are a choking hazard. Pine needles can also cause an intestinal blockage.
4. Human food
While it's okay to give certain human foods to your pets in moderation, make sure you limit these during the holidays to prevent stomach upset.
5. Holiday decorations
Other decorations like a snow globe, small toys, and smells like scented candles and essential oils are also toxic and hazardous to pets, especially dogs.
6. Electrical cords
With more electrical devices and cords present around your home, when left unattended, they can lead to electrical shock or even an electrical fire. Keep dogs and cats away from all cords if possible.
7. Wrapping paper, bows, and ribbon
Lastly, while gifts are common during the holidays, pets can choke on identification tags, paper, and ribbons.
Holiday pet safety tips
If you own pets, here are some safety tips to keep your furry companions safe and secure this holiday season:
Keep a barrier around your Christmas tree
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...to prevent your pet from being crushed in the event it falls over, consider using a fishing line to secure the top of your tree to your ceiling. If this isn't possible, you may want to consider putting a gate around the base of your tree to prevent your pet from coming into contact with it.
Alternatively, pet owners can opt for a smaller tree that is placed on an elevated table that your pet can't climb onto. Or, you can consider keeping your tree in an area of your home where your pet can't enter.
Unplug decorations and electrical cords
Lights and other Christmas decor can help establish a festive spirit in your home. But, it can also lead to more electrical use and cords. To prevent fires and electrical shock, it's essential that you unplug your electrical decor and tree when you leave your home, even if it's for a couple of minutes.
Anything can happen at home when you aren't there, leaving your pet in an unfavourable position should a fire occur, or they are electrocuted. By unplugging these, you can avoid any possible hazards and damages.
Don't leave table scraps out
Pets love food. To prevent them from eating something you've cooked that they aren't supposed to, make an effort to clear leftover food from your countertops and kitchen table. If you have a pet that is overly food motivated, you may want to consider leaving your pets in another room until your meal is complete and you've cleaned up your people's food for the evening.
Plan holiday parties in advance
For pet's with anxiety, holiday get-togethers can be a nightmare. To prevent your dog's anxiety from becoming an issue and to ensure they're comfortable during the holidays, ensure they have a quiet space away from your friends and family so they can decompress and relax. Anxious pets can get into trouble, especially when they aren't being supervised at all times.
Secure your pets during holiday travel
Lastly, if you're travelling for the holidays, you'll want to keep your pet safe while driving. Whether you store them in a pet carrier or strap them in with a special seat belt, travelling can put added stress on your animals, which is why it's essential that they are comfortable at all times.
Don't forget to bring their favourite toys, treats, water, and food. You should also make an effort to stop as often as possible, so they can stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and use the washroom.
By following these safety tips, you can get through the holidays with ease and spend time with the most important people in your life, including your cats and dogs.
Purchase pet insurance
While prevention is key to ensuring your pet's safety during the holidays, accidents can happen at any time and when you least expect them to. Whether it be emergency visits to the hospital, last-minute surgery, or medications, these unexpected expenses can be costly.
To protect your finances, you may want to consider purchasing a pet insurance plan to ensure you're prepared for the unexpected. Not only can this give you more peace of mind during the holiday season, but it can also improve your pet's quality of life all year round.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed for pet owners. With this coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected if something happens to your furry friend. Like all types of insurance, there are different coverage options available from numerous providers across Canada to fit your specific needs and budget.
What does pet insurance cover?
So, what does pet insurance cover? There are numerous treatments a comprehensive pet insurance plan will cover. However, these can vary between plans and companies. Regardless, here's a closer look at what you can expect to be included:
- Prescription medications and supplements
- Emergency trip to the vet
- Routine vet visits
- Overnight stays in the pet hospital
- Physical therapy
- Allergies
- Surgeries
- X-rays and CT scans
- Ultrasounds
- Blood tests
- Specialist visits
- Laboratory tests
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hereditary and congenital issues
- Swallowed objects and toxins
- Gum disease
- Diabetes and insulin
- Cancer treatment
- Acupuncture and chiropractic care
- Treatment for aggressive behaviour and separation anxiety
Further, wellness plans are also now available through certain companies like Fetch. These inclusions range from vaccinations, dental cleanings, spaying, neutering, flea and tick prevention, and more.
How much does pet insurance cost?
Now, you're probably thinking, "How much does pet insurance cost?" The truth is, like all types of coverage, the cost of your pet insurance will vary based on numerous factors. Common factors an insurance company will consider include, how old your pet is, what species or breed of pet you have, where you live, the coverages, reimbursement levels, and deductibles you choose. That said, on average, pet owners can anticipate spending approximately $40 a month for their dog and $30 a month for their cat. Other animals can vary.
Before purchasing pet insurance for your furry friends, don't hesitate to shop around and obtain quotes from different companies. This way, you can compare costs and coverage options before choosing a plan that fits your unique needs and budget for better peace of mind.
What is a pet insurance deductible?
A pet insurance deductible is a preset amount of money you'll be required to pay to your insurance company in the event you need to file a claim for your pet's medical expenses. For example, if your pet's veterinary clinic exam costs $500 and the deductible you've chosen at the time you purchased your insurance is $200, you'll need to first pay $200 to your insurance provider before they will cover the remaining costs. One thing to mention is that higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums because choosing a higher deductible means you're agreeing to accept greater financial liability in the event of a claim.
Is pet insurance worth the investment?
Whether or not pet insurance is worth it or not depends on the type of furry companions you have, your financial situation, and more. When put into perspective, the cost of medical treatments for your pet may be quite expensive compared to the monthly cost of obtaining an insurance plan. That said, pet insurance doesn't cover the costs of treatment if your pet has an existing health condition and can be more expensive the older your pet is.
So, before determining whether or not to go ahead and purchase coverage, we recommend shopping around for different insurance plans and looking at your monthly budget, and your pet's current health status to make an informed decision.
Does pet insurance include third-party liability?
No, pet insurance does not include third-party liability insurance. Pet insurance is meant to cover costs associated with your pet's safety and overall health such as hospital visits, medications, cancer or other serious ilness treatment, and other medical-related costs.
How can I protect my home when I'm away during the holiday season?
To protect your home while you are away, consider investing in a high-quality security system, including cameras, an alarm system, and motion sensor lighting along your property. Double-check your locks and windows before leaving. Beyond this, protecting your car is also important. If you can, park your vehicle in your garage and remove all of your personal belongings. Lastly, you should try and make it appear like someone is home. Whether it be having a neighbour check in on your property during the week, or leaving a light on or using a timer to have the lights come on every evening.
How can I avoid holiday home fires?
There are numerous holiday home fires to avoid during the holiday season, and what these hazards are and how to prevent them can help keep you and your family safe. Common risks include electric lights, fireplaces, Christmas trees, space heaters, and more. To avoid home fires, unplug electronics, lights, and trees while away. Before using your fireplace for the season, have it professionally serviced and cleaned. You should also keep decorations away from the area that could fall and catch on fire. Finally, remember to update your home insurance each year to ensure you have comprehensive coverage for peace of mind and financial protection.
Get affordable insurance for your furry friends with BrokerLink
At BrokerLink, we help pet owners find affordable insurance coverage for their furry companions. Whether you need cat insurance or dog insurance, with years of experience and access to top pet insurance policies, our brokers are able to customize your coverage based on your pet's needs and budget.
To work with a broker from BrokerLink, come visit us at one of our many locations across Canada. If there's no BrokerLink office in your area, you can contact us over the phone or email! In the meantime, take advantage of our online quote tool to receive a free customized pet insurance quote within minutes!
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