The holidays are a time of coziness, lights, and treats, but for our pets, it can also be stressful. Busy days, loud noises, new decorations, and different food can make them feel uncomfortable. With a few smart measures, you ensure that everyone – human and animal – gets through the holidays safely and relaxed.
Stress and hustle
Create a quiet place
Provide a safe retreat where your pet can relax, such as a room with a crate or its own corner. To avoid the hustle and visitors.
Maintain routine
Keep routines, such as feeding, walks & playtime, as intact as possible to reduce stress
Visitors & social interactions
Ask guests to leave your pet alone unless it seeks contact itself. Overstimulation can lead to anxious behavior or aggression.
Calming agents
For a highly stressed animal, pheromones, sprays, or other calming agents can provide relief. Consult your veterinarian for the right options.
Food hazards
Avoid toxic food
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts are harmful. Never give human treats to your pet.
Beware of bones
Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries. Leftover poultry is also risky.
Secure trash bins
Pets are often curious about leftovers in the trash. Make sure they cannot reach it.
Dangers of decoration
Christmas plants
Mistletoe, holly, and Christmas rose are toxic. Also, make sure animals do not drink from the Christmas tree water, as needles can be poisonous.
Angel hair and tinsel
These sparkling tinsel strands are attractive to play with but dangerous if swallowed.
Light strings and Christmas baubles
Do not let pets chew on cords and remove broken or sharp decorations to prevent cuts.
Fireworks and New Year's Eve
Keep indoors
Keep dogs and cats safely indoors, preferably with a safe place to retreat. Only walk cats on a leash and before sunset.
Identification
Make sure your pet is microchipped and wears a tag in case it gets scared and runs away.
Protection for small animals
Cover outdoor enclosures of smaller animals with enough air holes so that loud bangs cause less stress.
With these tips, the festive season remains enjoyable for the whole family – including the four-legged friends and other pets in the house. Safety and calm are the keys to a relaxed end of the year.
Happy holidays!
