As families prepare to welcome the harvest festival, it’s important to keep pets safe this Sukkot! One of the best ways to do this is to keep pets out of your sukkah, because the enclosed space can have a number of potential hazards including decorations and food. Read on for more tips on how to keep your pets safe!
Challah
Making challah? Always keep pets out of the kitchen while baking with yeast. If eaten, the yeast dough can cause the dough to rise in your pet’s stomach. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, as well as painful bloating.
Kreplach
These stuffed dumplings can be toxic to pets if they contain garlic or onions. Additionally, the high levels of salt and fat can cause pancreatitis, a painful condition that requires veterinary attention.
Fruits & Veggies
Certain fruits and vegetables such as citrus, grapes, garlic, leeks, chives, and onions, are toxic to pets. Also, beware of pits, seeds, and stones – these can cause choking hazards or intestinal blockages if swallowed. View a list of common human foods that are toxic to pets here.
Sukkah Decor
Before decorating your sukkah, make sure you’re using pet-friendly items – especially if your pet may have access to the structure. Greenery and foliage may be toxic to your pets, especially sago palms, so triple check that your plants are non-toxic by using ASPCA’s Plant Guide. If decorating with tinsel, streamers, and similar decor, pet parents should know these can cause a choking hazard or obstruction if swallowed.
Candles
When using lit candles, place them out of your pet’s reach and always monitor closely to prevent a fire hazard. Alternatively, consider using battery-operated candles to keep your pets and home safe!
Gatherings
If you’re hosting a dinner in your sukkah, remind guests not to feed your pets without permission and to keep hazards like purses out of reach. To prevent potential emergencies and help your pets avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed, consider keeping them in a crate or a closed-off room inside your house during the event.
By being aware of these possible pet emergencies, you can take precautions to keep your pets safe during your Sukkot celebrations. We wish you a joyous holiday! Chag Sameach!
If your pet does require veterinary care during Sukkot and your family veterinarian is unavailable, our Oakdale Urgent Care is open daily from 2-10PM. Additionally, both our Oakdale ER and St. Paul ER are open 24/7, every day of the year. Always call ahead of your arrival!
