Eating too much, figuring out travel plans and misbehaving at parties aren̵7;t just worries for humans during the holidays. The celebrations create some of the same pressures for your pets, so it̵7;s up to you to take precautions for them. Make sure they enjoy the festive season by giving a little extra thought to feasts, decorations and planning.
Decks the Halls with Caution
Eating the inedible is one of the most common reasons pets and their people spend Christmas Eve in emergency veterinary clinic waiting rooms, says Dr. Ashley Eisenback, owner of The Village Pet clinic in Dayton, Tennessee. "There is a lot of extra food, decorations and other temptations that are readily accessible to pets during the holidays, and one poor decision on your pet's part could make for a very sad, painful or expensive experience for your beloved companion,̶1; she said.
Artificial plants and greenery are the best alternatives, says Eisenback. If you must decorate with fresh greenery, use special care when hanging and removing decorations to ensure pets don't get access to dangerous items. Hang greenery out of pets̵7; reach and attach it securely.
Pet Gift Ideas
Choose gifts for your pet that are appropriate for his size, age and destructive ability, according to Dr. Ashley Eisenback of The Village Pet clinic in Dayton, Tennessee. Her top suggestion for dogs is puzzle toys in which you can hide treats. For the feline in the family, Eisenback says anything filled with catnip is sure to please, and stuffed mice that squeak are always popular. When choosing stocking stuffers, Eisenback recommends keeping pets̵7; allergies and weight in mind. Letting pets unwrap their gifts can be fun, but monitor them carefully with ribbons and bows, which can cause severe intestinal issues if ingested.
Trim the Tree with Care
Think about your pets when you trim the tree. Tinsel and ribbon are intriguing to dogs and cats, but if they eat these decorations it can cause their intestines to bunch, which can be fatal. Ornaments, if chewed, can cause cuts in a pet's mouth, throat and intestines, and the hanging items can create choking hazards. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers suggests circling your tree and wrapped packages with an exercise pen to keep curious pooches safe.
The temptation of extension cords is just too much for puppies and rabbits that may chew them and get electrocuted. The APDT suggests cord containers or a less expensive option, running the cords through pieces of plastic pipe. Eisenback also cautions those with pets to keep burning candles out of pets' reach to avoid a tail getting caught in the flame or hot wax burning paw pads.
Limit the Feasting
A feast, even just one day out of the year, isn̵7;t safe for pets, notes Eisenback. They're at risk of pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas, if they eat too much food or too many fatty foods. Eisenback says sudden vomiting and a painful abdomen are symptoms of pancreatitis, which can be fatal in severe cases.
Bones from holiday meals, aluminum foil and booze should also be kept out of pets̵7; reach. Chocolate, gum and some nuts are also dangers. If you suspect your pet has eaten something that could be dangerous, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says don't delay in getting veterinary care. Post the number for the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center in a handy spot. You can call the center at 888-426-4435 for first-aid instructions.
Travel Precautions
The right decision on holiday travel depends on your pet, says Eisenback. While some pets enjoy travel, others are more comfortable with an in-home sitter or at a boarding facility. If you use a sitter or boarding facility, do interviews and check references. Have potential sitters meet your pets. Whether using a sitter or boarding, write down routines, instructions for mealtimes and medical information before leaving home. Whatever your plans, changes in routine and location increase the likelihood of pets becoming lost. It̵7;s especially important to ensure tags have current contact information. Stock ample supplies of your pet's regular food and medications, since stores and veterinary clinics may be closed for the holidays.
Provide Safe Spaces
"Enjoy the holidays with your friends and family, but don't forget about your pets and their comfort and safety during the holiday season," Eisenback saId. It̵7;s OK to dress pets in Santa hats for photos and let them be the center of the party -- if they're comfortable with the situation. However, Eisenback stresses, pet owners need to be aware of their pets̵7; tolerance levels. This is especially important when small children are visiting. A normally gentle pet may snap if she becomes stressed and has no means of getting away. ̶0;Extra visitors and noise, as well as changes in routines over the holidays, can be very stressful to pets. If you have a very shy or easily stressed pet, provide him with a quiet place where he can retreat to escape,̶1; Eisenback said.