Preparing Your Pet for the Holidays: Stress-Free Tips That Work
With all that goes into the holiday season, it’s no wonder that pet health and safety get a little…waylaid. The good news is that the majority of potential calamities facing pets this time of year can be largely prevented with careful planning (and, let’s face it, imagining the worst). Whether you’re hosting a gathering this year, we have some stress-free tips that safeguard and promote your pet’s wellness.
Crowd Control
How does your pet interact with others? The answer to that may impact what you do this year, and how you approach gatherings. Many pets can become incredibly anxious about visitors, especially with the doorbell, loud laughter, and unpredictable movements in the house (aka their territory).
You can support your pet’s mental well-being in these ways:
- Create a quiet, safe space just for them. It doesn’t have to be far from the commotion, but it should be removed enough to boost their sense of calm.
- Set them up with their favorite bedding, toys, white noise, fresh water, and something safe to chew on (if that’s their things).
- Check in on them every hour or so, or ask a trusted individual to help you with this.
- Be sure to provide them with bathroom breaks and extra exercise time to burn off extra energy caused by anxiety.
- Reward them with praise, snuggles, and attention.
Food, Decor and More
The holidays absolutely hinge on tasty offerings, many of which can be downright toxic to pets. Please keep the following foods off low surfaces, take out trash, and ask guests not to feed your pets from the plates:
- Fatty meat, turkey skin, and cooked bones
- Garlic or onions
- Alcohol or caffeine
- Chocolate
- Xylitol
- Grapes/raisins
Make your pet their own special plate of cooked white meat in cubes, steamed sweet potato, carrots, and fat free plain yogurt.
Additionally, any items used to make a space festive, such as lights, candles, simmering potpourri, ribbons, real/artificial flowers, and more should always stay out of a pet’s reach.
Travel Tips for Pets
Travel can be exhilarating for pets ( so many new smells!), but it’s not an experience to take on without a firm grip on the following:
- Their behavior, preferences, and routine
- Their health history, prescriptions, vaccinations, and parasite prevention medication
- How they handle the car, what makes them comfortable, and how often they need a potty break
- Items that make them feel safe and cozy, like their favorite toy, blanket, or bed
- What the destination is like, such as your accommodations, activities, and where the nearest vet hospital is (just in case)
- What the restrictions are for your travel mode, such as flight rules, carrier guides, and more
- Whether or not a health certificate is required by your airline or hotel (we can help you with that!)
Say No to Pet Anxiety
The holidays can be the best time of the year, but not when a pet gets sick or injured. Please let us know if you have any questions about the potential hazards facing your pet this year. We’re always happy to help you at All Critters Veterinary Hospital.