Keeping your pet safe for Christmas and having a pet-friendly holiday at the same time can sometimes be a difficult task. Christmas is that time of the year we anticipate so impatiently. It is the time of happiness, joy, family, love, presents and hopefully snow. Let’s be honest that all of us start acting a bit crazy while the festive season is at the highest peak. We buy presents, prepare delicious food, decorate our homes, invite friends over, but kind of neglect the real needs of our fluffy friends. Sure they can enjoy Christmas time as well by wearing their pet winter sweaters, but for their own sake, it’s best to keep things as close to usual as possible.
Christmas tree and other decorations
Let’s start off with the Christmas tree which is sometimes impossible to pet-proof and look lovely at the same time. The least you can do is anchor the tree as securely as possible so it won’t accidentally fall. All wires and ornaments should be out of paws reach as dogs and cats love to play with new shiny toys, occasionally swallow them resulting in an emergency trip to the local veterinary clinic. Holly and mistletoe decorations are sort of a trademark when it comes to Christmas celebrations, but they can be harmful to the pets. Holly is known to cause gastrointestinal upsets if the pet ingests it manifested with vomiting and diarrhea, and at the top of that mistletoe can also do some damage to the cardiovascular system. Opt for artificial plants if you aren’t sure how your dog or cat will behave around the real ones. Candles make the atmosphere a lot more joyful. It’s okay to use them as long as the animals can’t reach them and if you leave the room, remember to put them out!
Holiday food
Changing your pet’s diet during the holidays will only result in expensive veterinary bills. Keep feeding them what they are used to and if you want to share the Christmas joy with them bake some pet-safe cookies. Around this time of year, we eat Christmas cookies and other delicacies quite a lot, the same goes for alcohol consumption. By any means, you must forbid any of these substances ending up in your dog’s and cat’s bellies. Don’t leave left-overs lying around the house, secure the garbage cans and dispose of the waste as often as possible.
Nights of gathering
When friends come around it can get a bit fuzzy. Inform the guests about rules on how to behave to the pet (every pet behaves differently around guests) and not to give them any treats. Throughout the excitement, the animal will soon feel exhausted and fed up. You must be prepared for this type of situation and give them a bit of private space. Select a separate room and have enough water provided, along with some toys and a bed. This way puppies and kittens can enjoy the silent, quiet time on their own and won’t bother your festive activities. It’s probably best to keep your pet at the safe-room when the fireworks start as well. With a lit bit of effort, this can turn out to be the best Christmas ever!
Merry Christmas!
If you liked this article, read “A Christmas Gift That Keeps on Giving….and Costing!” on our blog.
