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Pet Bloggers Journey 2022

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in The Paw Pack

Is it really 2022 already? And where did the the first 6 days of the year go!?  I was hoping to get a ‘year in review’ post out, but it took me longer than I thought it would to put up Kitsune’s 13th birthday post and to finish editing his yearly birthday video.  Then I came across the blog Puppy in TrainingOpens in a new tab., who is hosting the 2022 Pet Bloggers Journey.  A bit different than what I had planned, but I thought that participating might be a fun first post for 2022.  If you have a pet blog and want to join yourself, check out the Puppy in Training site.  Without further ado, here’s my 2022 Pet Bloggers Journey Q & A…

When did you begin your blog and what do you currently write about on your blog?

My first post ever, which has since been removed, went up on October 28th, 2010!  Although I started out as a more general pet blog, at this point in time Paw Print is pretty much exclusively a dog blog.  I write about all things dog, but am especially interested in sharing how awesome small dogs can be, hiking with dogs, dog lifestyle topics, and strengthening the human-canine bond (especially through play!).

Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2021, that made you most proud.

2021 was a year of change for Paw Print.  After featuring the same layout almost for the entire lifetime of the site, I finally updated it!  Change isn’t easy, and I actually did like the old layout, but I have to say I’ve had no regrets since upgrading.  It’s been a lot of work though, because changing my WordPress theme meant having to go back into quite a few old posts to optimize how they looked with the new layout.  While I was at it, I updated the information in a lot of outdated posts, and deleted quite a few too.  I’m still not completely done doing that – going back through 11 years worth of posts is time consuming!

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Besides working on modernizing the layout and updating posts, one of my big goals for the year was to work harder on keeping up with our social media pages.  I’ve never been a big social media person, so remembering to log in everyday can be a challenge for me – let alone remembering to post on each account on, at least, a semi-regular basis.  I think I’ve been doing ok with that.  I log in and post a lot more often than I used too, and have watched my social media numbers slowly rise.  In 2022 I hope to continue to learn more about how to optimize social media, because although it’s not my favorite thing in the world, I know what an awesome way to reach pet parents it can be!

What was the biggest blogging challenge you faced in 2021? How did you tackle it?

Just…life.  2021 was kind of a crazy year.  I’m sure for everyone, so most people know what I mean.  I have a life outside of blogging and my pets, believe it or not, and in 2021 especially the powers that be seemed especially fond of throwing me curve balls.  My little pack unexpectedly had to move last year, again, which quite frankly really sucked.  The housing marking while we were looking for a new rental was horrible.  Trying to find a place, and one that would, of course, allow our two dogs became almost a full time job in and of itself, and it took us months to finally find a place.

On top of moving, towards the end of 2021 I took on a second job.  Moving, working two jobs, taking care of my family (my partner and pets), and keeping up with my writing, it turns out, was hard.  I’ve been stressed.  I’ve been tired.  How did I tackle it?  Just keep on keeping on, I suppose.  Luckily the move is behind us now.  I’m able to set my own hours at work, so I try to arrange my schedule in a way that still gives me some time to get other stuff done every week.

Tell us one thing you learned in 2021 that can help us all become better bloggers.

Don’t be afraid of modernizing.  In retrospect, should I have kept the same outdated site layout for like a million years?  No.  Change can be good, although I know it’s not always easy.  Don’t get so stuck in your ways that it holds you back.

And don’t force yourself to work on your blog on days you aren’t feeling it.  Don’t turn blogging into a chore and let your passion for it die.  That would probably be my number one tip, especially for newer bloggers.  It’s probably the biggest reason why I’m still active on this site after so many years.  Paw Print is still very much a passion project for me, and I enjoy working on it.  There are days when I have writer’s block, or I’ve had a really stressful day and just need a break from my computer.  On those days, I don’t force myself to blog.  I know ‘they’ tell you it’s best to keep to a schedule and such, but it’s totally ok to give yourself a break when/if you need it.  It’s ok to miss a self imposed post deadline if you really aren’t feeling it.  Take the time you need to take care of yourself, your blog will still be there when you get back.

What are your top three blogging goals for 2022?

1. Keep working on all the social media ‘stuff’.  I’d really love to grow our audience as much as I can in 2022.  On January 1st I started a 365 post Instagram challenge for two reasons.  One, because my beloved dog Kitsune just turned 13 and that’s kind of been hard for me.  I want to document as much as I can of him and his ‘brofur’ because, as much as it sucks, my dog being officially a teenager has really made me think about how, someday, all I’ll have are the pictures and memories.  I want as many of them as possible!  Oh and two, because, ya know, content and social media followers and all that jazz. (Shameless plug, you can watch me probably fail my Instagram challenge on Kitsune’s and Fenrir’s Instagram pages).

2. Amp up our YouTube channelOpens in a new tab..  Is YouTube considered social media?  We’ll pretend it’s not.  I started working harder on our channel in 2021, but took a break for a bit while we moved and got settled into our new place.  Again, I feel like YouTube is a fun way to both document cute memories of my dogs, but that it could also be a good companion to my blog.

3. I started this a bit in 2021, but in 2022 I’d really like to improve the monetization on my blog.  I’ve been playing around a bit with different ads and ad placement, and recently joined an ad network too.  I know, I know, no one likes ads – But hosting for websites isn’t free, and Kit and Fen are high maintenance dogs.

In the perfect world, where do you see yourself and your blog one year from now?

I mean in the perfect world I’d be rich and living on my own self sustaining farm, surrounded by critters with plenty of time to write and pursue whatever other interests I want.  More realistically?  I’ll be happy if I can just blog on a consistent basis, continue to work on improving the site, and hopefully accomplish the three goals I set above.

If you had a $1,000 to spend on your blog how would you spend it?

I feel like the right answer would be to say I’d take some courses on something, SEO maybe, or spend money on some nice plug ins to help optimize my site.  Honestly?  I’d probably send it all to my hosting company, to keep the site up and running for however long $1,000 would buy me.  Not that I’m complaining about having to pay for hosting, but I keep setting my website up to auto-renew and for some reason it keeps not auto-renewing.  It leads to site down time every now and then which is super annoying.  I’d love to not have to think about it for as long as possible.

What is one skill you’d like to learn or improve in 2022?

How to stop time, so I can have unlimited time to work on my blog and snuggle my dogs.  Oh…you meant realistic skill?  Well this is boring and repetitive, but I really want to up my monetization game.  Does that count as a skill?  With the amount of research I’ve been doing on it, we’ll say it counts.

If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

I need your best, most delicious dessert recipe that’s both human and dog safe.  This is actually not related to my blog…this is related to the fact that I really want to lay around in my PJs and eat desserts that I can share with my dogs.  Oh – I’ll blog about it.  There – it’s blog related.

But seriously (ok but I am serious about the recipe thing if you have one!) just throw some suggestions at me in the comments.  I suck at monetization and would love to grow my audience more, so maybe stuff about that.  I want to try to get better at promoting my blog, but in a nice, friendly, sort of passive aggressive way, if that makes sense?  Not outwardly aggressive, like shoving it in peoples’ faces, because I’m a pisces and an introvert on an epic level, and if I even think I maybe annoyed someone a little bit it makes me feel super bad.

Or about my new layout – how’s it look?  What should I change?  Oh, or any cool post ideas you’d like to see here, or video ideas for my YouTube.  When you blog for 11 years it kinda starts to get harder to think of new topics that you haven’t already written about before…

You’re all amazingly awesome and thank you for visiting my site!  I hope everyone reading this is having a great day.  Hang in there if you’re not!  Kit loves you all (and Fen hates you all but it’s ok, he’s a butthead) and you’re perfect just the way you are.  Channeling Mr. Rogers there, nice.  Go out (or stay in!) and play with your pets!

A Letter to my Dog on his 13th Birthday

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Kitsune,The Paw Pack

My Dearest Kitsune,

“They” say that time flies when you’re having fun.  We must be having a lot of fun together, my Yuletide pup.  Somehow 13 years seems to have passed in the blink of an eye.

I still remember all our firsts together so clearly.  The first time I saw pictures of you, then showing those pictures to your ‘Dad’, to ask him if he agreed that you were, indeed, ‘the one’.  I remember seeing your adorable little face for the first time in person.  How good you were on the long journey to your new home!  I wanted nothing more than to snuggle you when we got home.  You wanted nothing more than to snuggle your new Dad!  The picture of you curled up on his lap on the kitchen floor, just minutes after we had arrived home with you that first day, will always make me smile.  Despite me being your main caretaker all these years, there’s never been any doubt about who your special person really is – and, perhaps surprisingly for some of our readers, it isn’t me.

You were such a challenge in those early days!  Especially those first couple of weeks.  I remember one night in particular, after many sleepless nights, crying and really wondering if I had made a mistake.  But things got better, didn’t they buddy?

You’ve always been SO smart, and so so sweet.  When I take you outside you want to say ‘hello’ to everyone, people and animals alike. I hated it, at first, how much attention we would receive during our walks together.  I had to talk to people – ew!  But slowly, over time, many of those people became friends.  The two of us went from being strangers in a new place, to a part of a community.  It does always make me laugh, though, when people remember your name and not mine!  I am often just “KitsuneOpens in a new tab.‘s mom” – a title I will always hold with honor!

Happy birthday to a very special dog!

We’ve had to find our place in new communities together twice now within the last 3 years.  During both of our moves my biggest concern was you – how you’d cope with having your life completely uprooted.  Moving is stressful for humans, and we have the added benefit of actually knowing what’s going on!  Even without that benefit, you, of course, impressed me so much with your ability to adapt.  Seeing how well you’ve taken to ‘country life’ after living 10 years in the same city apartment makes me so happy.  You helped me cope with the stress of city life for so long, I’m so glad that we were able to show you the joys of things like having your own yard to run around in.

I could write a million blog posts recounting all the amazing times we’ve had together!  13 years of memories, almost none of them bad.  That’s more than I can say for most of the human relationships I’ve been in.  But dogs are special like that.

As of late I’ve been watching you gracefully age and, my dear friend, it gives me such mixed emotions.  Your ever increasingly whiter muzzle is, at the same time, one of the most adorable things ever, and a constant reminder of our shared mortality.  I’ve heard it said that the only fault of dogs is that they don’t live nearly long enough, and I already feel, with my whole heart, how true that sentiment is.

Do you know the oldest dog ever lived to be 30!?Opens in a new tab.  I really think that’s a record you should try to surpass.  When I see everyday how happy and energetic you are, now at 13, it gives me hope that you might just actually try!

Now, more than ever, it makes me so happy to watch you running around in the yard, playing with your toys, and pestering your ‘little brofur” Fenrir.  It will never cease to make me laugh to watch you try to wrestle Fen, who is less than half your age.  You’ve turned into quite the woodlands explorer since we moved out of the city, and the time we spend wandering the woods together brings me so much peace.  And you know my mornings wouldn’t be quite the same without being able to watch you do your “Kit rolls” all over the bedroom floor first thing every day.

Dogs have such a special way of making a house feel like a home.  They are our fuzzy therapists, warm snuggle buddies on cold nights, our best friends.  Dogs do not judge, do not lie, and unabashedly live their lives full of love.  Humans really could learn so much from dogs.  I thank you, sweet Kitsune, for being my most adorable teacher for the past 13 years.  Dogs leave paw prints on our hears, and yours will surely forever remain on mine.  Every year for your birthday I presumptuously make a wish for you.  That we’re able to celebrate many, many more happy birthdays together!  This year is no different.  Happy 13th birthday, Kitsune, and here’s to many, many, many more!

Happy birthday to a very special dog

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2L64bqM2X0

Selecting the Right Dental Health Products for Your Dog

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health

I have to admit, it’s a source of some pride for me to say that at 6 and 12 (almost 13) years old, neither of my dogs have ever needed to have their teeth cleaned by the vet (knock on wood).  Their oral health is something I’ve always taken seriously.  Did you know that dental health can impact your pet’s overall health?  You might not think that a bit of tarter on your pet’s teeth is a huge deal.  However, dental disease, when left untreated, can lead to infections that can even spread to your pet’s vital organs.  Read more to learn how to select the right dental health products for your pet.

It’s a commonly believed myth that normal kibbled foods keep your pet’s teeth clean. 

If only that were the case!  Wouldn’t life just be a little bit easier if, instead of brushing and flossing our own teeth, we could just eat a few crunchy snacks and be done with it?  Unfortunately that doesn’t work for humans, and it doesn’t work for our pets either!  Most kibbles contain carbohydrates that actually feed, and thus increase, the bacteria that causes plaque.  Kibble, while crunchy, is designed to break apart quickly when our pets chomp down on it.  It doesn’t make contact with the surfaces of the teeth long enough to scrape off any significant amounts of plaque.

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If kibble doesn’t keep our pets’ teeth clean, are their any products out there that do?

pet dental healthIf you’re looking for something you can feed your pet to help keep his/her teeth clean, considering offering appropriately sized raw meaty bones or healthy chews. When offering raw meaty bones, avoid cooked bones, and the weight bearing bones of large animals.  Cooked bones can splinter and injure your pet.  Large, dense weight bearing bones have been known to chip teeth.  Both my dogs are on the small/medium side (around 17 – 18 lbs).  For dogs their size, I’d consider things like chicken wings or necks, quail, duck wings, necks, feet, or pork tails.

But hey, I get it.  Not everyone is totally on board with the whole ‘feeding dogs raw meat’ thing.  That’s ok.  If raw meaty bones aren’t for you and your dog, or you want to up the anti and use products in addition to raw bones, be sure to check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC for short) websiteOpens in a new tab..

The VOHC website has super convenient lists of products, listed separately for cats and dogs, that have been proven to help reduce plaque and tartar in pets.  For dogs, they list product types such as chews, water additives, oral gel sprays, toothpastes, toothbrushes, and wipes.  Luckily for us modern day pet owners, there are lots of options when it comes to our pets’ dental care!  I know not every dog is super compliant when it comes to using good, old fashion, toothbrushes and toothpaste.  Perhaps, if your dog is one of them, you could instead consider using dental chews, a water additive, or dental spray instead?

What Do I Personally Use to Keep Kit’s and Fen’s Chompers so Pearly White?

Variety is the spice of life, or so they say.  When it comes to the health of my own dogs, I very rarely find myself religiously sticking to one, and only one, product for an extended amount of time.

I used to feed Kit and Fen a raw diet that included raw meaty bones on a regular bases.  However, I am not currently feeding exclusively raw.  My Kitsune has always had somewhat of a sensitive stomach.  I notices that, as he gets older, he just didn’t seem to tolerate raw as well as he used too.  So I switched both my dogs to home cooked.  I do, however, still offer the occasional raw meaty bone.  I can tell how much it does for their teeth, but they also just downright enjoy them.  These days, though, they’re lucky if they get raw meaty bones a few times a month.

This post contains affiliate Amazon links.  If you make a purchase using one of our links we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

I’d say the piece de resistance of my doggy oral health regime has always been super basic – a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Way back when Kit was a pup, his then vet recommended I use enzymatic doggy toothpasteOpens in a new tab., and that’s what I’ve used ever since.  The enzymes are supposed to help in a number of ways, including removing plaque biofilm, as well as promoting the survival of beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful, plaque causing bacteria.  As for toothbrushes – there are a number of different types of toothbrushes made for dogs.  I’ve found that baby toothbrushes work just as well, sometimes better, for smaller dogs.  Bonus points, baby toothbrushes also often come is silly/adorable designs!

I’d like to say that I brush Kit’s and Fen’s teeth everyday, but that would be a lie.  I aim to brush their teeth at least 3 times a week, with more being better.  Some nights I’m lucky I brush my own teeth before falling into bed!  Never mind brushing my dogs’ teeth!

In addition to brushing and raw meaty bones, for awhile now we’ve been using ProDen PlaqueOff Products.

ProDen makes a powdered supplementOpens in a new tab. that you can add to your pets’ food, but both of my dogs (yes, even the ever picky Fenrir) especially love their Dental Care BonesOpens in a new tab..  ProDen products’ active ingredient is a type of sea kelp. It has been shown to have the ability to dissolve tartar and soften plaque build-up, making it easier to remove through chewing or regular brushing.  Just a note – ProDen and other products containing kelp are not recommended for pets currently being treated for hyperthyroidism.

Fen, and especially Kit, love to chew, so I do use a variety of other types of chews too!

Between Fen being super picky and Kitsune having a sensitive stomach, I’ve found that when it comes to chews, moderation is key.  Bully sticksOpens in a new tab. are a fan (dog) favorite and, although they gross my poor fiance out, my dogs do well with them.  These rawhide free Porkchomp ChewsOpens in a new tab. are a good compromise, in that my dogs still enjoy and do well with them, and they don’t repulse my partner.  Lately we’ve also been using these TropiClean Fresh Breathe dental toysOpens in a new tab..  Kitsune likes the clean teeth gel that comes with them (Fen doesn’t).  I also found that I put other things, like yogurt or peanut butter, into the toy and the dogs work at it enough that I’m pretty sure it’s probably still helping their teeth.  Also, every once in awhile I’ll refill Kit’s and Fen’s Everlasting treat ball.  The unique way they work at the toy to get at the treat really seems to help keep their incisors (the little teeth in the front) clean.

I’m starting to think I shouldn’t give myself so much credit for my dogs’ teeth being in such good shape.  They really like to chew!

Use Your Best Judgement When Selecting What’s Best for Your Pet!

Different dogs will do best with different types of dental care products.  Feeding a raw diet and/or giving your dog plenty of high quality chews won’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to get away with not brushing your pet’s teeth.  Kitsune especially loves to chew.  I still have to brush his teeth to prevent tartar build-up, especially on his canine teeth.  When selecting chews, it’s usually recommended to stay away from things that are too hard.  Anything that is harder than your dog’s teeth has the potential to cause cracks, chips, and fractures.  Always keep your dog’s chewing habits in mind too.  If your dog tends to gulp food, then many common types of chews may pose a higher chocking risk to your particular dog.

Small dogs are somewhat notorious for having bad teeth.  This is thought to be because of their more compact jaws, which often leads to overcrowding of their teeth.  Thankfully, through a multi-pronged approach I’ve found a care schedule that works really well for my own dogs.  Remembering to brush their teeth on a regular basis can sometimes feel like a pain.  The dental chews I’ve been using aren’t exactly cheap – but they’re cheaper and much less stressful to deal with than having regular cleanings under anesthesia at the vet would be!  I consider dental health to be an important part of overall health care.  As an added benefit, my dogs both get super excited when it’s time to take care of their teeth. Clean teeth means nice fresh breathe when they’re showering me in puppy kisses!

Post below, what do you do to maintain your pet’s dental hygiene?  If the answer is nothing, remember that it’s never to late to start!

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Pet Tips

Next month, on the day after Christmas, my “puppy” Kitsune will be turning 13 years old!  He was the original inspiration behind me starting this blog, way back in 2012 – when Kit was just 2 years old.  Sharing the past almost 13 years with Kitsune has taught me a lot, one of the probably more important lessons beingOpens in a new tab. how amazing living with a senior dog can be!

Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month?

If you are looking for a new pet that might be a bit more well behaved, why not consider a senior?  Finding the right older pet to join your family may mean avoiding things such as having to potty train, and behaviors such as chewing and nipping.  Even if your new friend does have a few unwanted behaviors, it’s a myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

Adopt a Senior Pet

The Benefits Of Adopting An Older Pet

With an adult pet, usually what you see is what you get. You don’t have to worry about trying to guess at how big your puppy will grow to be, or how he/she will behave. Senior animals have left the hormonal stages of their youth behind them, meaning that their personalities aren’t as likely to change once you get them home. Plus, some older pets will already know things like basic manners and commands. Also, older pets often have lower exercise demands, which can make caring for them a bit easier.

There are some concerns with adopting an older animal, such as the medical conditions that can sometimes come with aging. However, usually the benefits greatly outweigh the negatives!

Adopt a Senior PetIn the past, I hate to admit, I was one of the many people who would have, more likely than not, passed up adopting a senior animal in favor of a younger one.  Now having experienced the adoring love of older pets first hand, I’d love to someday take in an older animal in need.  I think it’s just heartbreaking that so many older, gentle souls find themselves in animal shelters – especially those of them who have grown old surrounded by family.

November, and thus Adopt a Senior Pet Month, may already be almost over, but it’s never too late to consider making the golden years of a senior pet happy ones!  Adopt a senior pet and you will be saving a life, and gaining a new best friend.  Next time you’re ready to open up your heart and home to a new pet, perhaps consider whether an older animal might be right for you.  Comment below!  Do you share your life with a senior animal?  Have you ever adopted a older animal and, if so, what was your experience like?

Flash CENGCEN Pet Camera Giveaway! Win A Pet Camera Or $50

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Pet Products

Some of you may remember the CENGCEN pet camera that we reviewed back in August.  You can go back and read that review hereOpens in a new tab..  My partner and I both work from home, so Kit and Fen aren’t left home alone all that often.  When they are, though, I am the one to suffer from separation anxiety!  Especially now that Kit is older, I worry about the boys when I’m not around to check on them often.  CENGCEN’s pet camera is an awesome way to check in on your pet when you can’t be physically with them.

To celebrate the upcoming holidays, we’re partnering with CENGCEN to host an amazing giveaway.  One first place winner will receive a CENGCEN pet cameraOpens in a new tab.!  Two second place winners will receive $50 each, transferred via Paypal. 

Entering is super easy!

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All you have to do is head on over to CENGCEN’s Facebook page.  Give them a like and a follow, and comment on their page.  Then head back here and comment below, letting me know you’d like to enter the giveaway.  The names of everyone who completes those steps will be entered into our random drawing.  I’ll need to know your FB name so we can confirm that you completed the entry steps.  No worries, if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your full  FB name in the comment section here, you can provide it via email later.

This will be a fast paced giveaway!  Entries will only be accepted this weekend – starting when this post goes live.  On Monday morning I’ll be sending out emails to our winners.  Sorry, but the contest is open to people residing in the US only.  You must have a Paypal account (it’s easy to create one if you don’t have one already) to accept the $50 second place prize.  After winners are notified, they’ll have 72 hours to respond to my email.  If I don’t receive a response in that time, a replacement winner will be randomly selected.

Sorry, This Giveaway Has Ended

With the holidays fast approaching,  a CENGCEN pet camera would be an awesome way to keep an eye on Fluffy or Fido while you’re out running errands, or visiting family/friends.  And who couldn’t use an extra $50 this time of the year?  Comment below to let me know you completed the steps to enter the giveaway, and let us know how you’d use your pet camera or the money if you win.  Thanks everyone for reading, and Happy Thanksgiving to all who will be celebrating it next week!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSkoIYCAwhk&t=3s

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health,Pet Tips

I’m not quite sure how, but Thanksgiving, for those of us in the US, is right around the corner!  The aroma of the Thanksgiving turkey and numerous other delicious foods cooking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, especially your pets! During all the excitement the holiday brings, it’s important to remember that some of our holiday favorites can be toxic or unhealthy for our pets. Keep these tips in mind to make sure all members of your family have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving Pet Safety TipsProvide your pet with plenty of fresh water!

With all the excitement of greeting guests, making new friends, and possibly trying out new foods, your pet is likely to work up quite a thirst! Always make sure to provide your pet with clean, fresh water.

Don’t overfeed your pet!

With so many different foods to try, it’s hard not to overeat on Thanksgiving. But overfeeding your pet can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Feeding large amounts of fatty foods can be dangerous to pets. 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. Advise any guests not to feed your pet, and always avoid foods high in fat, sweets, and cooked bones.

Learn what foods are toxic to your pet!

It’s important to learn what foods are safe to feed your pet, and which aren’t. You don’t want to accidentally feed your pet something that could be dangerous to him/her. What foods to avoid will depend on what species your pet is.  Make sure you do your research and learn what foods to avoid!

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 choking, or impaction hazard if your pet inadvertently swallows them. Decorating is festive and fun!  But keep it safe as well by making sure all decorations are out of your pets reach.

Make sure to secure your garbage can!

With all the food wrappers and scraps being thrown out, the smells coming from your trash can are likely to be very tempting to your pet! Make sure your can is secured and pet proof.

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.

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. If you can, set aside a room in your house that is off limits to guests.  Give your pet has a nice peaceful area it can retreat too if the need arises.

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. With guests going in and out of the house frequently, your pet may decide to take advantage of an open door. Make sure to tell your quests to be careful around the doors.  Keep a careful eye on your pet so he/she doesn’t attempt to make an escape.

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 arrangementsOpens in a new tab. and pack for you pet ahead of time to reduce stress on the day you are going to travel.

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. 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.

With a bit of work, the holidays can be just as enjoyable for our pets as they are for us!  It’s our responsibility, as animal guardians, to ensure that our pets remain as happy and stress-free as possible, even during the craziness of the holiday season.  Comment below!  What are some other things you do to keep your animals comfortable during the holidays?  Happy Thanksgiving to anyone celebrating it later this month!