Christmas has passed, but New Year celebrations, Hannukah and Kwanza are in full swing. Celebrants all over may look forward to the holiday hustle and bustle they bring, but the same sentiments may not be expressed by pets … if they could talk, that is.
Pets that aren’t used to a lot of foot traffic in a home or loud events could become anxious when holiday guests arrive and the fun ensues. Further stress could be added by lack of attention on the part of pet owners and the changes of the home environment through the addition of decorations.
New Years present a host of hazards to pets. It’s important to be aware of these dangers to keep pets safe. Keep these pointers in mind:
• Holly, ivy, mistletoe, and poinsettias can be deadly if consumed by most animals. Go with faux plants instead if you desire the look.
• Keep your pets on a steady diet and resist the urge to feed them leftovers from holiday dinner. Abrupt changes in your dog or cat’s diet can cause stomach distress, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Set aside a quiet space your pets can retreat to when there’s just too much commotion in another area of the house. However, putting a dog in the backyard if it is extremely cold is simply off limits. A dark bedroom away from the activity is best.
• Don’t put lit candles or breakables on areas where cats like to pounce.
• Involve pets in the festivities by buying a special treat that they can enjoy for good behavior during the holidays. A new chew or chase toy is a nice idea.
• If you will be traveling during the holidays, make sure your pets are adequately secured in the car and not allowed to roam freely. Use a travel crate or a special seat belt to keep the animals in place.
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With some planning and care, you can ensure your pets will be comfortable and content during the holiday season.
