5 Easy Ways For Pets To Have A Safe Holiday

Posted on 9 December 2021
By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
Posted in cats, Dog & Cat Safety Tips, Dog & Cat Wellness, dogs, Earth Friendly & Sustainable Pet Products, Made In the USA Pet Food & Supplies, Mental Stimulation Tips For Dogs & Cats
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December is a month where we celebrate the holidays to appreciate our faith, spend time with family and friends, and reconnect with those around us. These past couple of years have been a bit interesting to say the least and many of us are ready to see family for the holidays. Whether you choose to stay home, have a small or large holiday tradition, or travel with your pets, we want nothing more than for your furry friends to be safe during the festivities. When feeding your pet the right food during your celebrations, it can be the step in the right direction to eliminate trips to the emergency vet hospital. Don’t get me wrong, accidents happen, but if you know the foods to avoid and safety measures instituted, this can help make your holiday more enjoyable and less stressful.

Setting Clear Ground Rules With Visitors For Your Pets

This may sound silly, but if you have a father like mine, he is constantly sneaking the cat's and dogs' extras from his holiday-filled plate. Others don’t believe they are doing anything wrong at the time of feeding them from the table. The wrong food scraps can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, or gastrointestinal obstructions. Fatty pieces from the turkey or gravy can also lead to acute pancreatitis which often leads to a vet visit.

Safe & Harmful Foods For Cats & Dogs

Yes! There is a list of foods that may be on your table or in your festive decorations that may be harmful or poisonous to your cats and dogs. Having knowledge of this list can help keep your furry friends safe and prevent any disasters. Do NOT give your pet:

Alcohol
Raw yeast/bread dough
Dark chocolate
Macadamia Nuts
Onions
Cooked turkey bones and cooked skin pieces
Grizzle or leftover cooked fat from steaks or ham bones
Gifted plants or flower arrangements
Holiday decorations - wires, beads, tinsel, etc.

Create A Safe Place For Your Pet

When family and friends get together, it can result in louder than normal conversations or noises in your home that may be unfamiliar to your cat or dog. Having a safe place for them to retreat is always a good idea. Using a crate for your dog might be a lifesaver during this time. It can keep them in your home, safe and sound, while people are gathering. At our home, we put the cats in a bedroom with the door shut to ensure their safety. Others who may not have pets at home are often not mindful that your pet could dart out the door, or counter-surf, or steal that fresh out of the oven dinner roll in just a split second.

Safe Calming Supplements To Reduce Anxiety In Cats & Dogs

During the holiday season, it can lead to extra stress and anxiety in the home. As you set up decorations, move furniture, and make changes, this can be unsettling to our furry friends. Calming supplements can help make your pet feel more at ease. We carry a variety of chews, powders, treats, and tinctures to make it easy to administer. Plus the variety gives us the chance to make sure picky pets take the supplement. Of course, have a quick self-check-in. If you are stressed, acknowledge it, and be aware that your pet may pick up on your behavior.

Exercise Your Pet Before & After Festivities

Your day may already be packed full from cooking to cleaning to organizing before your guests arrive. If you are able to plan a quick break for a 30-minute walk this may help with your stress level and give your dog some exercise. A tired pooch makes for a more well-behaved dog when family and friends arrive. If taking an exercise break isn’t in the cards, we have you covered. Plan ahead the night before with interactive mats and toys with frozen treats. This mental stimulation and activity can keep your cat or dog busy during the hustle and bustle of the day. Spend time with your pup at the end of the day after visitors have left. This may also be an optimal time to head out of the house for a quick walk and bonding time.

Have A Happy & Healthy Holiday

With gratitude, we hope you have a safe and festive holiday season with those you love and enjoy your quality time together. We know your time is valuable so take one less item off your to-do list and get your items delivered! Choose same-day, local delivery at checkout (starting at only $3) and put your pet worries to rest! If you are in need of any holiday gift suggestions, one of our staff members would be happy to help! Visit our retail store to learn more about our food suggestions, supplement options, and loyalty savings, or visit our natural pet food, treats, toys, and supply store.