Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Holiday Pet Safety Tips



Holidays provide great opportunities for friends and family to gather together and reminisce about the past, celebrate the present and plan the future.  Although most people enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can become quite stressful on the family pet regardless of whether that pet has fur, feathers or scales. 

Routine is important to all pets, but especially cats and anxious or geriatric dogs. Sudden, dramatic changes in routine can cause pets to act out of character.  Even pets that usually are “party animals” and happily jump into the action greeting visitors and opening presents can become stressed from the ongoing stream of activities that seem to begin at Halloween and don’t end until New Year’s Day.  Remember, times change and so do pets:  animals that once enjoyed celebrations as youngsters might have had a change of heart in their senior years.   

Signs of stress can manifest themselves through sudden changes in behavior such as; hiding, restlessness, vocalization, anorexia, vomiting, panting, house soiling and, in some cases, snapping at guests or other defensive behavior. Vigilant owners monitor their pets carefully and are prepared to intercede at the first signs of their best friend’s anxiety.  Some steps owners can take to decrease the effects of stress include:

• Crating or confining your furry friend in a safe, quiet part of the house. Avoid making it seem like punishment by including your pet’s favorite blanket and toy. Anxious pets often benefit from a radio in the room, with the volume set low, playing easy listening or classical music.

• Bird owners can set up a separate cage in a quiet room several weeks prior to any visitors arriving.
Use the cage as a nighttime sleeping area so the bird becomes comfortable spending time there.  

• Maintain your pet’s regular feeding and medication schedules as much as possible during this time.

• Discourage guests from sharing their holiday meal with your pet. Sudden changes in diet can result in digestive problems, and some people food is actually dangerous for your pet. 

• Do not force your pet into any interaction with people or other animals. Let your pet decide about the relationship.

• Set aside time to spend with your pet alone in a quiet area, especially if your house is usually very tranquil.
This time can be devoted to petting, brushing and providing your pet with some individualized attention.

• Supervise all interactions between your pet and guests.
You know your pet better than any one else and can intercede if necessary.

Following these guidelines can help make the holiday season a positive experience for you and your pets.