Winter Holiday Pet Safety Tips

What, if any, winter holidays does your family celebrate?  For many, the winter holiday season can be such a fun, joyful time.  The name of the game in 2020 seems to be trying to find ways to be merry despite the difficult year we’ve all shared.  Being quarantined has, perhaps, given many a new appreciation for their pets.  Nothing raises the spirits quite like a snugly, or playful, fuzzy friend.  Some animals enjoy the excitement and extra attention around the holidays, while others may prefer if things remained calmer. It’s important to remember that it’s not just humans who can get stressed around the holidays, and some of our favorite holiday traditions may present dangers to our pets. Keep these tips in mind to make sure all members of your family have happy and safe holidays this year.

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1. Provide your pet with plenty of fresh water.  With all the excitement of celebrating with you, your pet is likely to work up a thirst.  Always make sure to provide your pet with clean, fresh water.
2. Don’t overfeed your pet!  Tasty foods are a part of many holiday celebrations, but overfeeding you pet can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea.  In addition, feeding large amounts of fatty foods can be dangerous to pets.  For example, pancreatitis is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that can be caused by a diet too high in fats. While a small amount of table scraps may be okay to offer your pet, don’t overdo it.  If you’re celebrating with guests, advise them not to feed your pet, and always avoid foods high in fat, sweets, and cooked bones.
3. Learn what holiday items may be toxic to pets! It’s important to learn what foods or holiday items (such as plants) are safe for pets, and which aren’t. You don’t want to accidentally expose your pet something that could be dangerous to him/her. What to avoid will depend on what species your pet is, so make sure you do your research and learn what to avoid!
4. Keep an eye on your decorations! For a playful pet, holiday decorations may be confused as fun new toys. But decorations can be dangerous to your pet. They may be a chocking hazard, or cause impaction if your pet inadvertently swallows them. Some decorations such as glass lights or ornaments could potentially cause injury. Decorating is festive and fun, but keep it safe as well by making sure all decorations are out of your pets reach.
5. Make sure to secure your garbage can!  With things like present wrapping, and food scraps being thrown out, your trash can is likely to be very tempting to your pet. Make sure your can is secured and pet proof.
6. If you serve alcohol, keep it away from your pets. To most people, keeping food out of their pets reach is common sense. But it’s important to keep an eye on your drinks as well, especially if your drinking something potentially dangerous to pets such as alcohol.
7. Minimize stress for your pet. The holidays can be stressful for humans and animals alike. Minimizing your pets stress level will go a long way towards making sure your pet is comfortable throughout the holiday season. Maintain your pets regular schedule as closely as possible. Give your pet a ‘safe zone’; a place where they can go to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday excitement if they need some time to relax.
8. Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag! If your pet is a cat or dog, or other uncaged pet, make sure they are wearing their collar and ID tags, and/or that they are microchipped.  Especially if you have guests going in and out frequently, your pet may decide to take advantage of an open door. Make sure to tell guests to be careful around the doors, and keep a careful eye on your pet so he/she doesn’t attempt to make an escape.
9. If you are traveling with your pet, plan in advance! Traveling can be stressful, and you don’t need the added stress of having to prepare for traveling with your pet last minute. Make all travel arrangements and pack for you pet ahead of time to reduce stress on the day you are going to travel. If you are planning to bring your pet to another person’s house to celebrate, make sure they are aware you will have your pet with you and that they remove any potentially dangerous items from areas where your pet can reach. If you are planning on staying in a hotel, plan ahead! Not all hotels accept pets.  Some of them that do have restrictions or fees that you should be aware of.
10. Maintain safety around guests! If you are expecting guests for the holidays, make sure they treat your pet with respect. Be extra careful around children who may not know how to handle your pet properly. Also inform all guests of your house rules regarding pets, including making sure they are aware of what holiday foods shouldn’t be given as treats.
11. If it’s cold where you’re celebrating, make sure to follow cold weather safety recommendations for your pets!
12. Be smart about pet gift giving! Some types of pets, especially dogs, have a great time opening their own presents! Make sure to supervise dogs around gifts. Ribbons, bows, and other present decorating items could be dangerous if ingested. Make sure the gifts you pick out for your pets are safe as well as fun!
13. Don’t give animals as gifts. While giving gifts to your pet is fun, giving pets as gifts isn’t usually a good idea. Pet ownership is a commitment that someone should always enter into willingly and knowingly. If you’d like to buy someone a pet, it’s best to only do so if the receiver knows about and is ready for the new pet ahead of time. Instead of giving a live animal as a gift, a better alternative is to give them supplies for their future new pet. Supplies, gift certificates, and books are good gift ideas that can help a future pet owner become more prepared for their new addition.

I know some of these tips don’t apply as much this year as they would other years.  Are hotels even open again yet?  I don’t think many people (anyone?) will be sad to see 2020 come to an end.

If you’re celebrating any winter holidays, what are some ways you incorporate your pet in your celebrations?  Our little pack celebrates Yule.  Kit and Fen especially love opening their Yule presents!  Kitsune‘s birthday is also on December 26th, so that’s always something we look forward to celebrating.

Just a heads up, we’ll be taking the week off from blogging next week.  I didn’t end up taking any time off from work.  I want to spend what free time I have with my family.  We’ll be back the week after, though, most likely with a post to celebrate Kit’s 12th birthday!  Until then, the Paw Pack sends all our readers warmest wishes for fun, safe, healthy holidays. <3