Keeping Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

There’s something magical about the holidays, isn’t there? The soft glow of twinkling lights (I, for one, have twinkle lighted practically EVERYTHING, lol), the warmth of festive decorations, and those mouthwatering holiday aromas that fill our homes. As much as we cherish these moments, I can’t help but think about our beloved four-legged family members and how they experience this wonderful – but sometimes overwhelming – season. After years of caring for countless pets, I’ve learned that a little extra love and attention goes a long way in keeping our precious companions safe and happy during the holidays.

Those Irresistible Holiday Decorations

Let’s talk about those beautiful decorations that make our homes sparkle! While we see a festively decorated tree, our curious cats might see the world’s most tempting playground, and our playful pups might mistake ornaments for new toys. I’ve seen enough holiday mishaps to know that tinsel is particularly enticing to cats – those playful little souls just can’t resist the sparkle! If you’re like me and can’t bear the thought of any harm coming to your pets, consider skipping the tinsel altogether, or place it well out of reach of those curious paws.

Your Christmas tree needs some special attention too. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the sound of a crashing tree in the middle of the night (yes, I’m speaking from experience)! Secure your tree firmly – your excited pets will thank you for it. For those of you with real trees, please remember to clean up fallen needles regularly. Those tiny needles can hurt sensitive paw pads, and we certainly don’t want that!  Oh, and don’t forget to put your most-precious ornaments up high and out of reach!

Holiday Treats and Plants: Keeping Our Pets Safe

We can’t talk about holidays without talking about food! While we’re enjoying our festive treats, those puppy dog eyes can be hard to resist. But as much as we love to share with our furry friends, some holiday foods can be dangerous for them. Keep these away from those eager noses:

• Chocolate (I know it’s delicious, but it’s a big no-no for our pets)
• Anything with xylitol (that artificial sweetener that’s so dangerous for our four-legged friends)
• Those irresistible holiday cookies and rich desserts
• Grapes and raisins (watch out for these in fruit cakes!)
• Onions and garlic (which hide in so many holiday dishes)

And while those traditional holiday plants make our homes look festive, some can make our pets quite sick. Poinsettias might cause some tummy troubles, but holly and mistletoe are the real troublemakers. You can always opt for artificial versions – they look just as lovely, and you can rest easy knowing your pets are safe.

Helping Our Pets Handle Holiday Stress

Just like us, our pets can feel overwhelmed by all the holiday hustle and bustle. One of the kindest things we can do is maintain their regular routine – yes, even when there’s a million holiday tasks calling our name! When guests come over, create a cozy little retreat where your pet can escape when it all becomes too much. Consider setting up a quiet corner with their favorite bed, trusted toys, and a piece of clothing that smells like home. It’s their own little holiday haven!

Winter Weather Love

For those of us in colder climates (like Northwest Indiana), winter brings its own set of challenges. Those precious paw pads need extra care this time of year! Keep walks shorter when it’s especially cold, and consider some cute booties to protect their feet from harsh salt and ice-melting chemicals. Keep a warm towel by the door to wipe down paws after walks – it’s become a special little post-walk ritual.

Making Indoor Days Special

When Jack Frost keeps us inside, our pets still need plenty of stimulation and love. Some favorite indoor activities include:

• Creating treasure hunts with pet-safe holiday treats
• Setting up fun obstacle courses (the holiday gift boxes make for great play for cats!)
• Rotating toys to keep every day exciting
• Having extra snuggle sessions (because who doesn’t need more cuddles during the holidays?)

Travel Plans? Let’s Keep Everyone Happy

If your holiday plans take you away from home, please plan your pet care well in advance. Whether you’re choosing a professional pet sitter like The Pet Parlor, a boarding facility, or having family help out, make sure they have everything they need to keep your precious ones safe and happy:

• Your trusted vet’s contact information
• Identification ON your pet (it’s absolutely heartbreaking to lose a pet)
• A complete medical history and medication schedule
• Emergency contacts (including your holiday destination)
• Detailed care instructions with all your pet’s little quirks and preferences
• Any special holiday considerations

Wrapping Up with Love

The greatest gift we can give our beloved pets during the holiday season is our time and attention. In the midst of all the holiday chaos, take a moment to scratch behind those ears, play their favorite game, or simply sit quietly together. These are the moments that truly make the season special.

Remember, our pets don’t care about perfectly wrapped presents or elaborate decorations – they just want to share in the joy and love of the season with their favorite humans. That’s what makes the holidays truly magical.

Wishing you and your precious fur family the happiest of holiday seasons, filled with love, safety, and plenty of snuggles!