How the Holidays Make Your Pet Sick and Other Holiday Mishaps to Avoid

The holidays – beautiful gifts, glittery trees, crazy family and plenty of opportunity for merry misadventures. Avoid mishaps with these tips from Farm Bureau Financial Services.

"Heading out for the holidays!" post invites unwanted guests.
Burglars love to hear you’re away. And posting about your holiday travels on social media can make your house an easy target. The FBI reports nearly 400,000 burglaries occur during November and December. Wait to share stories and pictures until you return home.

Fido’s water bowl hasn’t been filled in three days, yet he doesn’t seem thirsty.
Pets are known to find the tree water tastier than their own, but the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), estimate 240 home fires involving Christmas trees occur annually. Water your tree daily and keep it 3 feet away from heat sources.

Flambé is added to the menu when your holiday guests arrive.
Most home fires start in the kitchen, according to the NFPA. Never leave cooking unattended, and keep items like towels or oven mitts away from heating elements – nearly 60 percent of home cooking fires start on the stove top.

Your neighbor takes a tumble delivering holiday gingerbread cookies.
Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries, accounting for more than 8.5 million trips to the emergency room each year, according to the National Safety Council. Prevent accidents on your property by clearing walkways, repairing cracks, and sanding or salting slippery pavement.

Holiday romance is making your pet sick.
Did you know some holiday plants are poisonous to your pets? Keep plants – like mistletoe, holly berries, and amaryllis – out of their reach. If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, call your vet or the ASPCA poison hotline at 888.426.4435.

With planning and precaution, you can make the holidays a safe and happy for all the important people – and pets – in your life.

About Farm Bureau Financial Services
Through an exclusive, multi-state agent force, the companies affiliated with the Farm Bureau Financial Services brand underwrite, market and distribute a broad range of insurance and financial services products to individuals and businesses. Learn more about us by visiting www.fbfs.com. Or, visit us at www.facebook.com/farmbureaufinancialservices, www.twitter.com/fbfs or www.youtube.com/FarmBureauFinclSvcs.