Pet Care For The Holiday Season

The holiday season is right around the corner!   With it comes cheer, festivities, and quality time with our loved ones. As pet owners, it’s essential to remember that our furry friends should be included in the holiday plans and provided with proper care to ensure their well-being. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of pet care during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and provide some tips to make this time as joyful for our pets as it is for us.

Stick To Their Regular Pet Care Routine:

Our pets thrive on routine, and any disruptions can cause them stress and anxiety. Amidst the merriment, try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding, exercise, and playtime schedules. Consistency is crucial to help them feel secure and comfortable during this time of change.

Keep decorations away from your pets for their safety

Provide a Safe Haven:

During holiday gatherings, our homes can become quite chaotic. Loud music, guests, and unfamiliar decorations can all be overwhelming for our pets. Create a quiet and peaceful space where they can retreat and feel comfortable. Ensure their bedding, toys, water, and food bowls are easily accessible in this designated area.

Mind the Treats:

While indulging in holiday feasts, it’s important to remember that certain human foods can be harmful to pets. Chocolate, alcohol, coffee, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic are just a few examples of foods that should be strictly off-limits for our furry friends. Tempting as it may be, avoid sharing table scraps with them and keep an eye on holiday goodies within their reach.

Minimize Decorative Hazards:

Decking the halls with festive decorations can be a source of joy, but they may pose risks for our pets. Avoid using tinsel, as pets can easily ingest it, leading to a dangerous obstruction and a trip to the vet. Keep fragile ornaments and electric cords out of reach, as they can be choking hazards or cause electric shocks if chewed. Secure your Christmas tree to prevent accidental tipping and anchor loose branches to avoid injury.

Noise and Anxiety:

New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with fireworks, which can cause tremendous anxiety for our cats and dogs. Create a calm haven by closing windows, curtains, and playing soothing music or white noise to mask the sound. Consider using pheromone products (Here are several to choose from) or consult your veterinarian for natural remedies or medications that can help relax your pet during this time.

Avoid Unsuitable Plants:

Festive plants are beautiful, but certain ones, such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe, can be toxic to animals if ingested. Keep these plants out of your pet’s reach or consider using artificial alternatives instead. If you suspect your pet has ingested any toxic plants, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Ensure excellent pet care:

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may need to travel for the holidays and leave our pets in someone else’s care. At The Pet Parlor, we understand how essential it is to find trustworthy and reliable pet sitters to ensure your pets are well taken care of while you’re away. Here are some tips to help find the perfect pet care solution:  How to Choose the Best Pet Sitter

As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our furry companions throughout the holiday season. By sticking to their routines, providing safe spaces, being mindful of their diet, and minimizing potential hazards, we can ensure their comfort and minimize stress. Let’s include our beloved pets in our holiday celebrations with love, care, and consideration. After all, they’re an integral part of our family and deserve all the joy this season brings. Happy holidays to you and your furry friends from The Pet Parlor.