The Holidays are just around the corner. They seem to creep up on me every year. The Holidays bring special decorations, celebrating with friends and family, and gifts decorated with wrapping paper and ribbons. This year I am going to be proactive and remember that my pets need special treatment during the Holidays too. For me a few things to keep an eye on will be decorations, their stress levels, and keeping them busy (and out from under my feet) when I have company. Follow these tips to make the holidays more relaxing for everyone, including your companion animals.
Christmas Trees
Make sure your Christmas Trees are anchored securely. A wagging tail or a cat that likes to climb can knock your tree over. Keep ribbons, tinsel, and garland out of your pets reach. They can become lodged in their intestines and cause obstructions. Frequently clean up pine needles, if eaten they are toxic for your pets. The oils produced by fir trees can be irritating to a pet’s mouth and stomach, causing excessive vomiting or drooling.
Holiday House Plants
Poinsettias can upset your pet’s digestive system. Lilies can be deadly to cats, many varieties cause kidney failure. Holly and Mistletoe can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Hibiscus can cause diarrhea. Daffodils are also toxic to both dogs and cats, especially the bulbs. The bottom line is that you should keep these plants completely out of reach from your pets.
Stress Levels
Make sure they have a safe comfortable space they can retreat to. Take them for extra walks; it’ll help both you and your pet relieve some of that holiday stress. Remember to provide plenty of food and water, and let your pet catch up on some Zs! As your holiday visitors come and go there will be many escape opportunities for your pets. Make sure that your pets always wear current identification tags and watch the door! I also use Young Living essential oils and natural pet calming products to help keep my pets mellow and relaxed.
Keeping Pets Busy
Keeping my pets out from under my feet is very important as the Holidays approach and I am cleaning, decorating, or wrapping gifts. Pick up a special treat that you know your pet loves and that can occupy them. I like to give my dogs frozen raw bones and antler chews. They are both very long lasting, good for them, and they can’t hurt themselves.
Overall it is important to remember that your pets are a member of your family too. They need may need extra attention; you shouldn’t be the only one enjoying the holidays.
-Krissy Ailara 11/9/2015
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