A Quick Holiday Survival Guide for People and Their Pets

The Holidays are finally here! It’s a wonderful time of year full of chilly nights, warm fires, family, and friends. But for all it’s joy, the Christmas season can also be a hectic and sometimes dangerous time of year for your pet. At Deceased Pet Care, we put together a quick guide for you to help your pet survive this busy holiday season.

Weather the Weather
The holidays usually mean cold and sometimes brutal weather. Make sure you pet is properly cared for during this cold season. Watch for signs of hypothermia. Have a safe and warm place for your pet to sleep. And make sure your pet’s fur is dried after a trip outside. If you live in especially cold climates and the sidewalks or roads are salted, you need to regularly check and clean your pet’s paws. The salt and slush mix can cause severe irritation if left unchecked.

If you have outdoor pets, consider bringing them in for a season (especially during hard freezes). Also, feed your pet about 25% more food. They will need the extra fuel to keep warm. Also, keep a regular eye on water bowls, as they can quickly freeze over leaving your pet dangerously dehydrated.

Dangerous Decorations
I know my favorite part of Christmas is decorating for the season. I love hanging the garland around the stairwell and decorating each doorway with a bright red bow. While Holiday decorations are nothing short of beautiful, keep watch for a few that can be especially dangerous to your pet.

The Christmas Tree needs to be firmly secured, as a wound up pet can send it tumbling down, or worse, on top of your pooch.

Tinsel provides and special shimmer to your Holiday tree, but it can prove especially dangerous to dogs and cats. Tinsel is distracting and fun to play with, but it’s easily swallowed, and once ingested can cause serious digestive damage to your pet. If you have an indoor pet, we think it’s best to trim the tree tinsel-less this year.

Holiday Plants such as poinsettia, ivy, mistletoe, and holly are all poisonous if ingested by your pet. Take care to keep them out of chewing range.

Candy bowls can also cause harm to your pet if left within scavenging range. Make sure chocolates are not within reach. If too much is ingested, a trip to the vet could be part of your holiday plans.

Faring the Family
We love spending the Holiday season with our family, but even we can get a bit overwhelmed with so many people moving about the house. Your pet needs a safe place to bet when things get a little crazy.

We recommend introducing them to all the guests slowly, so you pet doesn’t get too overwhelmed. Also, set clear boundaries with your family members as to what is appropriate and inappropriate playtime with your pet.

If your pooch happens to act up, don’t punish her. She’s probably just reacting to the heightened environment. Instead, gather some pillows and blankets, and set aside a bathroom or small room as a quiet, safe place for your pet to escape.

At Deceased Pet Care, we know a pet is part of your family. By being aware of small changes, your pet can participate in the all the activities you can dream of, and even enjoy an extra hug or two from distant relations. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from all of us at Deceased Pet Care.

Imagecredit: purelife4pets.com