HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
Bringing a new pet home at this time of year undoubtedly adds to the excitement and joy of the holidays. However, it is important to make sure that your new companion has ample time to adjust to his or her new home, new family, and new routine. Be mindful that holiday festivities that are fun for you might be stressful for your pet. Here are some suggestions for helping your pet to have a stress-free holiday season.
Decorate Wisely
Although lit candles, menorahs, and kinaras make the holidays festive, accidents can happen when a boisterous or curious pet is in the house. Keep all open flames away from noses, paws, and swishing tails. Kittens and puppies are notorious for chewing on electrical cords, so be careful that your decorative lights don't pose a hazard. Monitor your pets when you're at home, and unplug the cords when you go out. Many decorative holiday plants can be potentially harmful if ingested by your pet. Mistletoe, Hibiscus, Poinsettias, and Holly can all be very upsetting to your pet's stomach; and toxic in some cases.
The Christmas Tree
Christmas trees can be extremely attractive to dogs and cats. Shimmering, dangling objects beckon to our feline friends, while many-a-dog has been duped by a round glass ornament masquerading as a ball or chew toy. To keep your pets safe, you should make sure that they do not have access to the tree unless they are being supervised. In addition, hang non-breakables near the bottom and make sure that you use a large, sturdy tree stand. You can further avoid tip-over by using fishing line to anchor the tree to the wall. If you have a dog with a healthy appetite, it's probably best not to decorate your tree with food items such as candy canes, popcorn, and cranberries. Cats find tinsel very appealing, so if you use it at all, keep it up high where your cat can't reach it. And if you're worried about those sharp little ornament hooks, consider using short pieces of ribbon to tie ornaments onto tree branches. Wrap a tree skirt tightly around the base of your tree to ensure that your pet isn't tempted to drink the water.
Partying with Your Pet in Mind
Keep in mind that meeting new people can be stressful for your dog or cat, and a house full of holiday revelers might cause your pet to become overly excited or scared. Watch your dog's body language when she is meeting new people. And if she appears timid or afraid, allow her to skip the introductions and settle down in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Leave your dog with a safe interactive chew toy, so that she is happy and occupied, rather than isolated. Keep in mind that even an exuberant friendly dog can become over stimulated in a party situation and should be given a break from the festivities from time-to-time.
Some cats find having company rather disturbing. If your cat is shy, set him up in a room of his own before your guests arrive.
Food for Thought
The holidays are a time for sharing, and everybody loves to give their dog special "treats". However, you need to be careful about what, and how much, you allow your pup to feast on. Rich, fatty foods can cause stomach upset and some foods, such as chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts can be quite toxic. You should never give your dog cooked meat bones; they can break into small pieces and pose a choking hazard.