Holiday Safety Tips for Pets from Milwaukee Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters

As the holidays approach, it’s crucial to keep dangerous foods and hazards out of your dog’s (or cat’s) reach. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure a safe, stress‑free celebration for your furry family members.

Foods & Substances to Avoid

1. Dough (cookie, bread, pizza, etc.) – Unbaked dough can ferment in a pet’s stomach, leading to painful intestinal issues or even life‑threatening bloat. Resist the urge to share, no matter how pitiful the look.
2. Chocolate – Small amounts (like a single Hershey’s Kiss) may not be fatal, but larger quantities are toxic. Keep candy dishes out of paw’s reach while you’re opening presents.
3. Cleaning products that aren’t pet‑safe – Ingestion can cause immediate toxicity and even death. If a pet is exposed, rinse the mouth and affected skin, then contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away.
4. Grapes and raisins – These can trigger acute kidney failure. Even a single raisin can cause symptoms; larger ingestions (9 oz–2 lb) have required veterinary intervention with blood work and IV fluids.
5. Christmas trees – A toppled tree can crush a small pet, and decorative ornaments may be poisonous or cause choking. Place the tree higher than your pet’s height and secure all cords and ornaments.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Why Choose Wisconsin Pet Care?

Wisconsin Pet Care is the highest‑rated and most awarded home pet‑sitting and dog‑walking service in the state. Our professional team serves Milwaukee and surrounding communities, including:

• Bayside, Bayview, Cudahy, East Side, Fifth Ward, Fox Point, Glendale, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, Oak Creek, River Hills, Riverwest, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, St. Francis, Third Ward, Walkers Point, Wauwatosa, West Allis, West Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay
• Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties: Bristol, Caledonia, Kenosha, Mount Pleasant, North Bay, Northern Racine, Pleasant Prairie, Somers, Southern Racine, Sturtevant, Wind Point
• Waukesha County: Brookfield, Elm Grove, Menomonee Falls (cats only), New Berlin

For more information, call 877‑822‑6926.

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