For us, the holidays are a time of celebration, family and happiness. For our furry friends, however, this can be a time of change, stress and anxiety. Here are a few holiday pet care tips to keep in mind when making your plans this year that can help your pet enjoy the season too.
When You’re Home
Remember to continually pet proof your home during the holiday season, and always consider whether certain decorations are safe for your critter companions. Sharp or breakable Christmas tree ornaments aren’t a good idea because they pose serious health hazards for pets. Tinsel and other stringy decorations like stringed popcorn or cranberries are also dangerous. If ingested, they can cause intestinal blockages, leading to very risky and expensive surgeries.
Plants and greenery make great decorations year-round, but many are toxic to pets including seasonal plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettia. Finally, while we all love a cozy yule fire, make sure to keep a grate in front of it at all times to avoid any accidents. Likewise, keep candles and any other flames high above your pet’s reach.
Holiday Fests and Feasts
Nothing quite reigns in the festive season like hosting holiday get-togethers for family and friends. Laughter and music resound through the household spreading good cheer all around. Except to our pets, that is. All the hustle and bustle can cause our dear critters high anxiety, which leads to negative behaviors and even escaping through the door when no one’s looking. Ensure your pet’s comfort and safety by creating a safe, cozy space for them in a spare room where they can wait out the social buzz.
Meals simmering on the stove and pastries baking in the oven fill your home with warmth and mouth-watering smells. While it may be tempting to share your feast with your furry friends, avoid feeding your pet any table foods. Instead, treat them to pet-safe holiday themed goodies so they can still feel included.
Holiday Travel Plans
If you are planning on traveling this season, you have a few options to consider. The best option for many pets is to leave them in the comfort of their own home and hire a pet-sitter to watch over them. Depending on your preferences, you can hire a pet-sitter to stay at your house while you are away, or you can hire someone to come check in on your pet a few times a day.
Reserving a space in a kennel is another option for your pet if you cannot take them with you on your trip. This option is less ideal than hiring a pet sitter, but it may be the most affordable or convenient one for you. If possible, schedule a tour at the kennel facility before boarding your pet, and check out their reviews online.
For those of you whose pets are inseparable, traveling with your pet is definitely an option; it just requires a little more planning in advance. If you are flying on a plane together, most airlines require health certificates issued by a certified veterinarian within ten days of your flight. If you are flying internationally, you’ll want to start preparing for your trip a few months in advance since some countries require extra vaccinations and tests that can take time to process.
Consider Pet Van Lines For Your Holiday Pet Care
Here at Pet Van Lines, we are passionate about holiday pet care and making things easier on both you and your beloved pet. Contact one of our professional pet movers today to learn more about transporting your pet this holiday season.