Tips for a Successful Holiday with Pets

Tips for a Successful Holiday with Pets

As Christmas grows ever closer, the tree is likely decorated, presents are being wrapped, Christmas cooking is underway, and soon may come a steady stream of friends and relatives. As stressed out and anxious as the holidays might make you feel, it's easy to forget that our pets share the same living space and can easily share similar anxiety this time of year. Take a moment to read a few pointers on how to help your pets cope with the holidays so that everyone can have a safe and relaxing Christmas! 

The Tree

• Use plain 'ol water to fill up the tree stand. Additives might help the longevity of the tree, but they can be toxic to pets that drink the tree water, in addition to pesticides/herbicides that may reside on the tree's trunk. Keep pets away from this stagnant water. 
• Of course, cats will almost inevitably attempt climbing the tree. Make sure it is secure and won't topple. 
• Sometimes, a male dog just can't resist the urge to mark the new large outside thing that's inside the house. Try spraying the base of the tree with D.A.P to reduce anxiety-based marking. Same goes for cats that like to spray new objects.
• The tree itself is considered mildly toxic with oils that may irritate the mouth and digestive system, causing excessive drooling and/or vomiting. Munching on the Christmas tree is not recommended.
• Tinsel is irresistible to some cats but it can be deadly if ingested, causing internal blockages. Please monitor your cat to make sure she isn't tinsel-crazy, and if you aren't completely confident she won't eat it- use another type of decoration. 
• Christmas lights can pose an electrical and mechanical danger- they can cause burns and the risk of electric shock if chewed, and the lights themselves easily shatter and become embedded in tender paws. Check cords regularly for signs of chewing. Unplug when not at home!
• Use shatter-proof ornaments near the bottom of the tree, and glass ornaments near the top where they are less likely to be knocked off. 
• Check your tree skirt regularly to make sure it hasn't been used as a nifty new bathroom. 
• Secure fragile presents and gifts likely to topple over. 

Decorations

• Much like tinsel, ribbons used for decorating are unfortunately quite popular snacks. Call your vet if you see any signs of distress and suspect that your pet ate ribbons. 
• Despite insistence otherwise from the pup, large bows stolen off gifts aren't toys!
• Please promptly put away and secure wrapping materials. Pens, markers, bows, scissors, and tape have a tendency to find their way to the far corners of the house where picked up by curious pets. 
• Potpourri is popular this type of year, but it can also pose a hazard to your pets. 
• Keep candles and other burning objects above tail-level. Pets can singe whiskers, tails can knock over candles, and can be a very real fire hazard!
• Many holiday plants can be toxic to animals. Poinsettias and holly are considered mildly toxic and might cause mouth/stomach irritation, but aren't fatal unless ingested in large quantities. Lilies are highly toxic, as well as mistletoe. If you have a kitty prone to plant-munching, best just to go faux. 

Festivities

• Although the holidays are full of culinary overindulgence, please don't share this tradition with your pets! Keep feeding routines consistent, and treats should be given responsibly and not too often. No fatty leftovers, no turkey skin, no onion, no unbaked dough! If this makes you feel guilty, purchase some pet-specific treats to share during special times. 
• Please keep holiday chocolates and other sweets out of reach.
• Make sure guests know the treat policy, and aren't sharing forbidden foods behind your back! 
• Also, make sure food garbage is promptly and appropriately disposed of to avoid trash raiding. Cooked poultry bones can easily splinter and be deadly if ingested by a hungry dog. 
• Sugar-free baked goods and candy may contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol that is toxic. 
• Alcohol is toxic to dogs! Ask guests to monitor mulled wine and eggnog, or put the dog away when the party starts.

Christmas Stress

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a very stressful time, even for a normally calm dog. There are many new objects in the home, people keeping odd hours, blinky lights & odd smells, a constant stream of people coming & going, and unfamiliar strangers infiltrating their once-familiar and safe home. 

• Make sure your pets have access to their preferred "safe place" where they can retreat from commotion. 
• Guests that bring children need to be aware that you have pets and of their limitations, for the pet's AND the children's sake. The cat doesn't always like to be picked up, and the dog may not take a treat nicely when excited. It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your pets and guests in your home! Be fair to your pets and your guests and be considerate of each's needs. 
• Make sure guests are aware of petting/jumping/treat policies. 
• Watch your pets for signs of stress (panting, shivering, tension in the face, hyperactivity) and remove them from guests if they appear overwhelmed. 
• Do not force your pet into unwanted interaction! On the other hand, don't always shut away pets that prefer to be social- this can also lead to anxiety and stress. Try leashing a social dog to your belt loop or the end of a sofa. They can be part of the festivities, but aren't underfoot or constantly pestering guests. Settle them down with a new toy or chew bone. 
• Stick to your pet's usual routine as much as possible. 
• Use D.A.P and Feliway to help reduce stress. 
• Carefully monitor open doors. Many pets unfortunately get lost as guests come and go during holiday festivities.
• Children's excited squeals and unusual noises from new toys can agitate pets or cause extreme excitement. Best to put the dog away during the unwrapping of gifts to prevent stolen stuffed animals, stomped-on robots, slobbered-on Bratz dolls, wailing children, and extraction of the dog/cat from under the chair.
• If you are feeling stressed or anxious, it's very likely that your pet feels it also! Your stress and attitude affect your pet more than you think. Try a few calming techniques yourself and take it down a notch to help everyone. Relax! 

Using a little common sense, some consideration, a few precautions, and a good bit of observation during the next week can help both you, your guests, and your pets enjoy a calm, healthy, and happy holiday. 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

-Erika