Pets and Holidays

The year-end holidays bring a festive atmosphere and a sense of togetherness but also present challenges for pet owners. Changes in routine, excessive noise, inappropriate food, and travel can cause stress or even health issues for pets. Therefore, planning the necessary care is essential to ensure these moments are enjoyable for the whole family, including our four-legged companions.

Spending the Holidays at Home?

Celebrating the holidays at home is a great way to spend time with family and friends and can also be a good choice to avoid travel-related stress for both you and your pets. However, you should pay attention to your pets’ behavioral signs, as increased activity, festive foods, and decorations can pose risks.

Preventing Overfeeding and the Dangers of Bones for Dogs

A plentiful holiday feast is a hallmark of the season, but it’s important to remember that pets’ digestive systems differ significantly from ours. Even if it seems harmless to give them “just a little piece” of food, many holiday staples can be dangerous or even toxic to them.

Foods to Avoid

• Chocolate and sweets: Contain theobromine, toxic to dogs and cats, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, and even seizures.
• Grapes and raisins: May lead to kidney failure, even in small quantities.
• Seasoned foods: Garlic, onions, and other common seasonings are harmful and may cause anemia.
• Cooked bones: Although many pet owners think bones are natural for dogs, cooked bones can splinter easily, causing perforations or obstructions in the digestive tract.

To include your pet in the celebration, offer pet-specific treats or even make a homemade recipe for them. Check out the recipe at the end of the article.

Stress caused by guests

For many animals, having guests over can be stressful, especially for shy cats and dogs. Noise, lights, and excessive interactions can lead to behavioral changes, such as hiding, excessive vocalization, or even aggression.

Creating a Safe Space

Set aside a quiet room for your pet to retreat to. In this space, include:

• Beds and blankets with familiar scents.
• Favorite toys.
• Fresh water and food.

For cats, open carriers with cushions can serve as a cozy hiding spot. Additionally, pheromone diffusers or natural calming products like sprays or collars can help reduce anxiety.

Preventing Escapes

With frequent comings and goings, the risk of pets escaping increases significantly. Not everyone is accustomed to handling pets and may neglect to close doors and windows properly. Remember to share safety recommendations with your guests, as many animals, feeling overwhelmed, may attempt to flee from excessive stimulation.

To prevent this:

• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Use protective barriers in access areas.
• Equip pets with collars and tags displaying your contact information.
• Consider microchipping for easier location if your pet escapes.
• Natural Supplements to Reduce Stress

If your pet already shows signs of anxiety in high-stimulation situations, natural supplements might be a good option. Substances like tryptophan, valerian, and chamomile can help calm animals without side effects. Always consult a veterinarian before administering any product.

Traveling and Pets

If you plan to travel during the holidays, you’ll need to decide whether to take your pet or leave them in the care of someone else or a facility. Both options require careful planning to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.

If you intend to travel alone, there are two main options if you can’t bring your pet: hiring a pet sitter or boarding them at a pet hotel.

Pet Hotel: Pros and Cons

A pet hotel is an excellent option for dogs that struggle with being alone or have lots of energy. Just like hotels for humans, pet hotels come in various styles and offer different entertainment options. They can provide an active environment with outdoor activities, plenty of furry friends, and lots of playtime, or a more private and calm setting. Choose the type that best suits your pet’s personality, and always visit the facility beforehand. Consider doing a trial stay to see how your dog adjusts before leaving them for an extended period.

Review the image for a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter versus boarding your pet at a pet hotel.