Holiday season is just around the corner, and many are looking forward to spending quality time at home with loved ones, pets included. With all the fun to be had, it may be easy to forget that our furry friends need special care.
There are plenty of things you can do to ensure the safety of your pet this Christmas. Here are a few tips to keep your four-legged companion happy and out of harm’s way during the holidays:
-
Choose pet-friendly décor
If you haven’t started decorating yet, you may want to think twice before putting up any ornaments that could present a choking hazard for your dog or cat. Some pets can’t help but get overexcited at all the sparkly objects and décor. There’s always the chance they could end up accidentally ingesting one of your little baubles and getting seriously sick.
As a precaution, avoid decorations that are too sharp or too small. Christmas stockings filled with toys, candy, and other small gifts should be hung at a safe height away from the curious paws of your beloved companions. Pet-proof any Christmas tree ornaments, too – you’ll want every nook and cranny of your home to be as safe as possible for your pets to explore.
-
Clean up presents and wrappers immediately
Once everyone has opened up their presents on Christmas Day, discard any wrapping paper, string, and stray ribbons as soon as possible. Although they aren’t necessarily toxic to pets, they can cause an obstruction if eaten. If left untreated, obstructions can cause stomach problems which can snowball into bigger health issues for your pet.
Check under tables and furniture to make sure there are no presents lying around that your pet might knock over and eat. Another idea is to distract your furry friend with an interactive (and hazard-free) toy while you’re exchanging presents.
-
Watch out for toxic Christmas food
Sadly, a lot of our favorite Christmas treats are dangerous for pets. Here’s a rundown of some of the food types to keep out of paws reach:
- Chocolate
- Mince pies
- Fruit cake
- Pudding
- Alcohol
- Onion stuffing
- Macadamia nuts
- Raisins
To keep your dog or cat happy, surprise them with Christmas-themed snacks of their own. A festive chew toy or a baked treat can occupy them long enough while the family is at the dinner table.
-
Keep them warm
Winter can be challenging for your four-legged friends as they often need extra care and attention to stay warm. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your pet warm during winter.
The most important thing is to keep an eye on them and stop them from going outside. Better yet, keep them extra toasty indoors – a sweater, extra pillows and beddings, and lots of snuggles should be enough to prevent them from getting too cold. It’s also best to allow their coat to grow out to give them an added layer of warmth.
For more tips on pet safety during the holiday season, get in touch with me, Michelle McQuade. Apart from being a top Realtor in Chagrin Valley, I’m also an advocate of animal welfare. You can contact me at 440.823.2448 or send me an email here.