Northwood News ♦ December 2007

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

By Laura Hussey

Being a dog lover, I am pleased to live in the company of so many other dog lovers.  Judging from the steady parade of dogs and their owners that pass my house everyday, we’re a neighborhood of pet lovers.  As we enter a season of holiday fun and entertaining, I’d like to take a few minutes to remind all of us that the holidays can be an especially disruptive and dangerous time for pets.  A few common-sense precautions, however, can prevent catastrophe and keep your beloved companions safe and happy.

Tip #1:  Help your companion stay healthy by sticking to his normal diet during the holidays.

Avoid feeding rich treats such as gravy, fatty meats, or sweet treats because a sudden increase in fat can cause digestive problems and even pancreatitis.  Pancreatitis in animals is very serious, sometimes resulting in prolonged vomiting and diarrhea and even death.  And it’s not just rich fatty foods that can cause problems.  Onions are toxic to dogs and cats, causing a type of anemia.  Chocolate is toxic as well, with toxicity depending on the type of chocolate and amount ingested.

Ask guests not to slip tidbits to your pets, and be firm about it.  While they get the momentary pleasure of watching Buster beg, you will be the one to stay up all night with Buster when he gets sick from the rich treats, or load him in the car for the trip to the emergency vet on New Year’s Day!  If you must “treat” your pet, provide a healthy treat.  My dogs feel like it’s a special occasion when I add a scoop of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to their food.  Most dogs and many cats enjoy the taste of pumpkin, and it is low in fat, high in fiber and vitamins, and good for the digestive system.

Tip #2:  Remember that your pet needs companionship and security during the holidays just as much as at any other time of year.

Minimizing disruptions to your pet’s routine will help reduce stress and the unwanted behaviors caused by stress.

Many of us look forward to the holiday socializing, entertaining guests in our homes, and celebrating with friends and family, classmates, and colleagues.  During the peak of the season, the normal household routine goes out the window in a flurry of holiday shopping and parties.  For many pets, the result is that they are home alone for long periods of time when they are accustomed to having their families around.

It is quite normal for pets to stressed and confused by the change in routine.  Animals show their stress in different ways, but there are some common signs of stress.  Back-sliding on housetraining, repetitive licking, inappropriate chewing, or being more “clingy” or aloof than normal are all behaviors that should cause a pet-owner to pause and consider what has changed in the environment that might be causing stress.  Although pet owners often project human motives onto their pets (e.g., “Buster chewed my favorite shoes because he was mad I left him alone”), the fact is these behaviors can often be traced to stress caused by changes in the pet’s environment or schedule.

Prevent trouble before it starts.  Begin by writing down your pet’s normal routine before the holidays.  What time is your pet fed?  When do you normally play with your pet, socialize with him, or groom him?  Then, work with everyone in the household to ensure that disruptions to the schedule are minimized and that your pet’s needs for companionship, exercise, and stimulation are met during the holidays.  If you absentmindedly pet your cat while watching the news in the evening, believe me, he will notice that you aren’t there the nights you are out shopping and partying.  Find some other way to be sure he gets his petting the day of your office holiday party; get up a few minutes early to play with your young cat with the laser toy or take your dog for an extra long walk before going off to enjoy yourself.  He will appreciate it!

Tip #3:  Keep pet safety in mind when decorating for the holidays.

Probably the most important safety concern is whether something is safe for your pet to eat or chew on.  For example, dogs and cats may be attracted to shiny glass Christmas tree balls, but if they bite into the fragile ornament and ingest bits of glass you might find yourself making an unexpected trip to the emergency vet.  Many other common decorations, such as mistletoe, can be poisonous if ingested by pets.  Others may present a choking or burn hazard (chewing on cords for holiday lights).

If you notice that a decoration is attracting the attention of your pet and aren’t certain it’s safe, either prevent your pet from having access to it or remove it.  For example, a few strategically placed toddler gates can be helpful for keeping dogs away from the Christmas tree when you aren’t around.  If your cat stands on the mantel to reach the mistletoe, you may have to remove it until the guests arrive.

Remember that the holidays will pass quickly and you’ll want your companion around to keep you company during the long cold winter!   ■