Scottsdale Dog Walker | Scottsdale Pet Sitter | Scottsdale, AZ

For most of us, the Holidays can be such an exciting time.  It’s a time of year when people seem to be happy, generous, joyful and excited to share time with friends & family.  No one wants their Holiday cheer to be spoiled by an accident.

It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities.  But remember we must keep the pets safe at all times.

Here are some tips:

Be Honest with Your Guests

Once the rules are out of the way, people can relax and have a good time.  Don’t be afraid to tell the guests that pets cannot be given any food.  The pets may want it, and may even blatantly beg for it, but under no circumstances can anyone “sneak” human food to the pets.  Whether it’s a Christmas roast, turkey, ham, etc.  Most of the holiday foods are made with spices which are delicious to us humans, but may irritate pets.  Their bodies can’t handle the spices and this may lead to upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or even a trip to the emergency vet.

Some holiday foods may include dangers other than just spices.  Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, coffee grounds, alcohol, etc., are commonly found in holiday foods or the garbage during the holidays.  Dogs cannot eat what they cannot find.  Make certain that all garbage cans have secure lids.

Limit Holiday Decorations

The beautiful decorations are just as much a part of the holiday as the gatherings, foods, gifts and the people.  However, some decoration may be a threat to the safety of pets.  Avoid using garland, tinsel, fragile ornaments which may break and ornaments with hooks.  Sadly, almost every year I hear of a terrible story in which a hook has been caught in a pet’s mouth.  No ornament is worth that injury.

Puppies, or dogs with chewing habits may be attracted to electrical cords.  Consider covering the cords and limiting the use of the Christmas lights to only when both pets and lights can be supervised.

Limit the candles.  Curious pets can easily be burned.  Wagging tails or sniffing snouts can knock over the candles and cause a fire.  Place the candles high or consider electric versions instead.

Holiday plants may be dangerous if ingested.  Lilies, holly and mistletoe are popular this time of year, but should be limited around pets.  Keep them out of reach.

Give the Pets a Break

Like children, pets can become too excited and hyper with so much unusual stimulation.  Make sure pets have their calm and quiet places they can go to get away from the action.  Consider giving them a bedroom with their dog bed, water and some quiet background music to tune out the excitement.  Avoid putting them in a bathroom or the garage.  You want to give them a familiar, calm and warm area.  A small space like a bathroom can create anxiety, and may not provide the necessary comfort needed to relax.

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise
– Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com