Both humans and canines love the holiday season. We want our four-legged friends to have a good time, but we also want to keep them safe. So, as you’re gearing up for the holidays, read over these tips on how to keep your pets happy, healthy, and most of all, safe:
Be careful with your Christmas tree
Whether you have a fake tree or a live one, all Christmas trees have the potential of falling over and hurting your pets. Here are a few things you should do:
- Anchor it to the ground or nearby wall to prevent any possible injuries
- If you have a live tree, cover up the tree water to prevent your pets from drinking it. Tree water often contains fertilizer, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, or other stomach problems
- Keep wires and lights out of reach
- Only hang plastic ornaments and skip the tinsel around your tree
- Hang ornaments a few feet off the ground to prevent pets from knocking them off
Keep certain foods out of reach
There are a lot of sweets and treats during the holidays. Unfortunately, these foods can cause digestive issues with our pets. Here are some foods you should avoid:
- Chocolate
- Alcoholic drinks
- Spicy foods
- Fatty foods
- Bones
- Garlic
- Onions
- Raisins
- Grapes
If you’d like your pet to join in on the holiday meal, then create their own special plate with one of these pet-friendly recipes.
Keep them calm
Due to COVID-19, you likely won’t be having the same holiday gatherings as you would in years past. However, even if you’re just celebrating with your household, it’s normal for people to get a bit rambunctious on Christmas Day. If your pets are overly anxious, keep them in a quiet, separate room. You can let them out once everyone has calmed down.
At Hill Country Pet Sitters Plus, we want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday season. For more pet tips, read through our blog or call us today!