The Festive Season and Your Pets

The holiday season is fun for everyone—kids and grownups alike. But sometimes for pets in the home, there is a surge in the potential for dangers for pets. Here are some expert tips to help pet owners ensure their furry companions stay happy during the holidays.

A safe-zone

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, naturally gravitate towards a particular room or area of the home. This could be due to a number of factors, ranging from sounds or colors and an association with activities like playtime and food. If this area is out of the way of noisy holiday activities, ensure your pets remain there for the duration of festivities. Walk and play with them

Create awareness

Guests attending parties and gatherings should be introduced to pets whenever possible and the strangers made aware of the animals’ temperaments. Generally speaking, not being too fussy, erratic or loud around pets helps them to remain calm, putting everyone at more ease.

Prevent toxicity

We all enjoy a richer diet over the festive season, but avoid sharing the food with animals. They can trigger sickness and diarrhea or other conditions from renal disease, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Plants can be very toxic for your pet so make sure any new plants you bring into the home they are safe and non-toxic.

Decorative items should be out of reach

If you share a home with a pet, special care must be taken when decorating the house to ensure small ornaments and decorations are kept out of reach.

Consult a professional

Before the festive season commences, book a consultation with your vet to ensure your pet is in the best possible health. These consultations help maintain the general health and grooming of pets, but most importantly give you insights into how you can ensure the celebrations are as fun for your pets as they are for you.

(Written by: Dr. Sara Elliott, Founder and director of veterinary services of British Veterinary Hospital)