Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pets
The holiday season is fast approaching, and while it brings plenty of fun, time off, and family gatherings, it can also pose challenges for our pets.
Pets thrive on routine – just like us! Have you ever noticed that your dog knows it’s 5:30pm (walkies!), despite the distinct disadvantage of not knowing how to read a clock?
The chaos of the festive season can impact even the most laid-back dog. Not only are there different foods, decorations, and sounds, there’s sure to be an entourage of distant-cousins, loud-uncles and awkward-inlaws that can throw your pet out of sync.
Here are some key ways to prepare and keep your pets safe this holiday season:
Food
Holiday feasts mean delicious food, but not all human treats are safe for pets. Make sure you watch out for:
- Chocolate: A classic Christmas favourite for humans but toxic to dogs and cats.
- Grapes, raisins, and sultanas: These can cause kidney damage.
- Fatty foods: These can lead to gastro or even pancreatitis, which is painful and potentially life-threatening.
Always keep food out of reach, and remind guests (read: Uncle Harry) not to sneak your pet any table scraps.
Decorations
To us, tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, and fairy lights are nice decorations, but they can look delicious and irresistible to curious pets. If these decorations are ingested, they can cause serious problems, like blockages that may require surgery.
To prevent this, make sure you keep the decorations out of reach and supervise your pets when they’re near the tree or gifts.
Thunderstorms and Fireworks
The holiday season often brings unpredictable storms and end-of-year fireworks, both of which can be very stressful for pets. Common signs of anxiety include shaking, hiding, whining, or trying to escape.
To help with this you can create a safe, quiet space for your pet to retreat to during loud events. They might already have a place they always go when feeling anxious – try adorning that space with a comfy bed and water bowl.
If your pet needs more help destressing, consider calming aids like pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, or vet-prescribed medications if needed.
Holiday Plans
If you’re planning to go away, make sure you’ve organised care for your pet in advance. Whether it’s boarding at a trusted facility or hiring a reliable pet sitter, early booking ensures your pet has a safe and happy holiday too.
Bonus points if you have a consistent pet-minding service or pet-sitter that your pet is familiar with and trusts!
The Holiday Season Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
With a little preparation, you can ensure your pet enjoys the festive season as much as you do. Be mindful of their needs, watch for hazards, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you need advice.
Want some more help on how to prepare your pet for the holidays? Contact My Family Vet for tips or to book a check-up before the festivities begin. Let’s make this holiday season merry, bright, and safe!
