The holidays are right around the corner, and the days leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas will zoom by. With the holidays coming, preparing your pet for the festivities is important. Preparing your pets for the holidays is essential to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being during this busy and festive season. Here are some steps you can take to help get your pets ready for the holidays.
Pet-Proofing Your Home with Holiday Decorations
Be mindful of holiday decorations that can pose risks to pets. For example, keep tinsel, ribbons, and small ornaments out of your pet’s reach to prevent choking or ingestion. Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling if a curious pet investigates. If you have any exposed wires for light-up decorations, be sure to cover them or keep them out of reach of your pets. Similarly, keep glass decor far and out of reach of pets so they don’t hurt themselves. Consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas if need be. Consider using pet-friendly decorations instead. Buy things like battery-operated decorations, non-toxic, shatterproof ornaments and decorations that are less likely to harm your pets if they’re accidentally knocked down or chewed on.
Be Aware of Toxic Festive Plants
Many holiday plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets. Keep these plants out of your pet’s reach, or consider using artificial alternatives for decor. If you need more clarification about the safety of a plant, be sure to do your research before purchasing.
Food Safety and Holiday Treats
Be cautious about what holiday foods your pet has access to. Avoid feeding them toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and alcohol—secure trash cans to prevent pets from digging into discarded holiday feasts. While sharing holiday meals with your pets is tempting, stick to their regular diet to avoid digestive issues. You can offer small, pet-friendly treats if you want to include them in the festivities. There are tons of pet-friendly recipes online to choose from.
Guest Introductions and Safe Spaces
If you’re hosting guests, especially those with their pets, ensure that introductions are gradual and supervised. Not all pets get along, so avoid leaving them unsupervised until you are confident they can coexist peacefully. The holidays can be overwhelming for pets with the influx of guests and noise. Ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise and playtime during the holidays to help alleviate stress and pent-up energy before events. Be sure to create a quiet, safe space where your pet can retreat if they need a break from the festivities when they need to rest. Provide familiar bedding and toys to help them feel comfortable and check in on them occasionally.
Traveling for the Holidays
If you plan to travel with your pet during the holidays, make sure they are comfortable with the transportation mode, whether by car or plane. Have all necessary documents and supplies, including a leash, harness, food, medications, and their bed or crate. Ensure your pet’s identification is current, and have them always wear a collar with an ID tag. Consider microchipping for added security. For added peace of mind, schedule a check-up with your veterinarian before the holidays to ensure your pet is in good health and up to date on vaccinations. This is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any travel concerns you may have.
Be Attentive to Your Pets
These are just some ways of preparing your pets for the holidays. Remember to pay attention to your pet’s behavior and body language. If they seem stressed, anxious, or unwell, take appropriate measures to address their needs and comfort. By taking these precautions and being mindful of your pet’s needs, you can have a happy and safe holiday season with your beloved animals. Remember that while you enjoy the festivities, your pets’ well-being should always be a top priority.
Contact us at Luv My Sitter for all your pet-sitting needs! If you are traveling for the holidays, be sure to book our services in advance before spaces become limited!