Holiday Hazards: A Pet Owners Guide to a Pup-Safe Season
Keeping Your Canine Companion Cozy and Carefree This Festive Season
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but as a pet parent, I know the holidays can feel more like a minefield of potential hazards for our furry friends. Between the tempting treats, glittering decorations, and endless house guests, it can be a challenge to ensure our pups stay safe and sound.
As someone who’s had more than a few unexpected trips to the vet during the holiday hustle and bustle, I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating this festive time of year with a pet. That’s why I’m here to share my top tips for creating a pup-friendly holiday season – so you and your canine companion can enjoy all the merriment without any unnecessary stress or scares.
Navigating the Holiday Spread: Food Hazards for Fido
Let’s start with the biggie – food. The holidays are synonymous with indulgence, and it can be so tempting to want to share our favorite festive treats with our furry friends. But as pet owners, we have to be extra vigilant about keeping people food away from our pups.
From rich, fatty holiday dishes to sugary sweets and salty snacks, there are so many common holiday foods that can be downright dangerous for dogs. Things like turkey skin, gravy, stuffing, and even Christmas cookies can cause major tummy troubles, and in some cases, even life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis.
According to the experts at MedVet, other holiday food hazards to watch out for include onions, garlic, xylitol (a common sweetener), and raisins or grapes. And don’t forget about those tempting holiday leftovers – it’s best to keep them stored safely out of paw’s reach.
Instead of sneaking Fido some scraps from the table, I recommend sticking to pet-safe treats made just for dogs. That way, you can still include your pup in the holiday indulgence, but without the risk of an upset stomach or worse. And be sure to remind any guests or visitors to keep their plates and snacks away from curious canines.
Seasonal Decorations and Dangerous Decor
As if the food risks weren’t enough, the holidays also bring a whole host of tempting decorations that can pose a threat to our four-legged friends. From twinkling lights and shiny ornaments to fragrant plants and flickering candles, there are plenty of holiday trimmings that can spell trouble for pups.
According to the team at MedVet, some of the biggest offenders include lilies, poinsettias, and mistletoe – all of which can be toxic if ingested by our canine companions. And let’s not forget about the good old Christmas tree, which can easily topple over if a rambunctious pup decides to use it as a chew toy.
To keep your pup safe, I suggest placing your tree in a room they don’t have regular access to, or setting up a safety gate around it. You’ll also want to steer clear of potentially dangerous plants and decorations, or make sure they’re out of reach. And always keep an eye out for any curious chewers who might be tempted by those twinkling lights or shiny ornaments.
Hosting with Hounds: Minimizing Stress and Anxiety
The holidays aren’t just a time for feasting and festive decor – they also mean lots of visitors and social gatherings. And for our canine companions, all that hustle and bustle can be a major source of stress and anxiety.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, even pets that aren’t normally shy may become nervous and skittish during the excitement of holiday parties and gatherings. And the noise and commotion of celebratory fireworks can be downright terrifying for our furry friends.
To help your pup feel more at ease, I recommend creating a cozy, quiet space for them to retreat to during gatherings. You can also try calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps, and make sure they have plenty of familiar toys and treats to help them feel secure.
And if your pup is really struggling, don’t be afraid to ask guests to be mindful of your dog’s needs. Politely request that they avoid direct interaction, keep their voices down, and steer clear of feeding your four-legged friend any people food.
Traveling Hounds and Holiday Homecomings
Whether you’re hitting the road to visit family or welcoming loved ones into your home, the holidays often mean lots of travel and new environments for our pets. And as any seasoned pet parent knows, this can bring its own set of challenges.
The AVMA recommends having a plan in place for your pet’s safety, no matter where your holiday travels take you. This includes making sure you know how to get to your nearest 24/7 emergency vet clinic, and keeping important contact information like your vet’s number and the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) handy.
If you’re bringing your pup along for the ride, be sure to pack all their essentials – food, treats, toys, medication, and of course, their favorite bed or blanket to help them feel at home. And if you’re leaving your furry friend behind, consider enlisting the help of a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility to ensure they’re in good hands.
No matter what your holiday plans entail, the team at I Have Dogs is here to help you navigate the season with your canine companion by your side. From emergency pet care resources to tips for a stress-free holiday season, we’ve got everything you need to keep your pup safe, happy, and paw-sitively jolly.
So as you deck the halls and embark on your holiday adventures, just remember – with a little preparation and vigilance, you and your furry best friend can enjoy all the magic of the season, without any unwanted trips to the vet. Wishing you a very merry and pup-friendly holiday!