The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. A time for putting up decorations, wearing your ugly sweater, and dressing up your pet in their cute, little elf costume. For families and their pets, the holiday season can be a time for celebration and a time for celebration and caution.
At Paw Naturals, we strive to provide the best for your cat or dog, and in that spirit, here has some tips to keep your pets safe this holiday season!
SECURE YOUR TREE
Christmas trees are the centerpiece of the holiday experience for many families. It might be beautiful, but it isn’t always safe for your cat or dog to play around.
Excited dogs might get the zoomies and find themselves buried and tangled in a fallen tree or destroy your presents. A cat might climb the tree and attempt to get at the ornaments. HOwever, there are a few things you can do to avoid this:
These are just a few things you can do to help keep your pet and tree safe.
TIP! To be extra secure, add a baby gate around the presents and tree, or keep your pet out of the same room.
STAY INDOORS
We know dogs love to play outside no matter what the weather is, but during winter, it can become dangerous.
Dogs might have natural fur coats, but not all dogs can tolerate colder temperatures. Dogs like Siberian Huskies can tolerate colder temperatures because of their double-layered coats, but small dogs and dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to the cold. Dogs with lower body fat are also more sensitive to the cold.
Not just dogs, but cats as well! If you have an outside cat or an indoor/outdoor cat, bring them inside to keep them warm during the winter.
TIP! Check out some of our jackets and booties to protect your pup during the winter. Fido doesn’t like booties? No problem! We also have paw balms to keep your dogs paw pads from being damaged by ice and salt.
NIX THE TABLE SCRAPS
It’s difficult to ignore your pet when they’re begging for a little taste of your holiday feast. The delicious foods we love are not great for your pet, though.
Our meals have very high fat and sodium content compared to what dogs' stomachs are able to handle. This can result in an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Instead of feeding them prepared foods, swap them for raw veggies like carrots and green beans for your dogs, and raw apple, rice, and whole raw eggs for your cat.
Here are some foods to avoid altogether and can be toxic to you cat or dog:
- Raw poultry
- Butter and oils
- Turkey skin
- Small Cooked Bones
- Alcohol
- Nuts
- Sweets
- Onions or any dishes that include them
- Grapes
- Garlic
- Sage, nutmeg, or other herbs
- Chocolate
The best food you can feed your pets is raw and uncooked. Check out our Primal raw food products to spice up your pet’s holiday dinner!
BOARDING AND PET SITTING
Many families choose to go out of town for the holidays. Whether this is to get away to a new place, or visiting distant relatives, making plans for your pet to be in good hands while you’re away.
Two popular options are boarding your pet at a local facility or having a pet sitter come stay at your home with your pet. Both are great options, but it’s important to research the facility or pet sitter you are going to have over. Make sure your pet is comfortable in either situation and will be comfortable.
If your pet has never boarded before, try doing a trial run at the facility for a day to see if it is a good fit for your pet! If you are having a pet sitter come and care for your pet, make sure they meet your pet first to make sure both the sitter and the pet are comfortable with each other.
It’s always okay to ask questions about your pets care while you’re away.
WATCH YOUR PLANTS
Decorating your home with festive plants is a tradition a lot of families follow, but many of these plants could land your curious furr baby at the vet.
Keeping the following plants out of your pets reach will keep them healthy:
- Ivy
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettias
PRACTICE CANDLE SAFETY
Lighting candles can be tradition, or you could enjoy a nice wintery scent, but they pose a fire hazard when it comes to curious pets.
Making sure to remember to blow out a candle when not attending it and keeping it out of reach of your pets paws is important. Pets might burn their paws, tails, or nose and could knock over the candle.
Check out our Seasonal Pet House Candles.
PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE
If you notice the excitement of the holiday gatherings are too overwhelming, try separating them into another room where there is food, water, a bed and a little bin if needed. Make them comfortable so that they don’t feel anxious or try to escape. This can be especially helpful during the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
We also have a wide range of CBD calming treats in store.BEING SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS IS ESSENTIAL!
But don’t let it stop you and your pet from enjoying them to the fullest. Making sure our furry friends are safe is as important as the star on top of the tree. Make sure your pets are happy and healthy this holiday season and enjoy!
