Tips to help ensure your pet has a happy holiday

Skip the sweet treats 

While it may be hard to resist those sweet, hopeful faces, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep the Christmas food and treats away from our pets. Christmas food and treats are best left for the human family members to enjoy.

It is well known that it is not safe to feed a dog chocolate, but did you know that there are other human foods that can be harmful to our pets? Household foods containing caffeine or the artificial sweetener xylitol, grapes (or raisins), onion, garlic and even baker's yeast (i.e. unbaked bread dough) can pose serious health risks if feed to a pet. If you suspect your pet has gotten into any of these goodies you should contact your vet immediately as they will advise you with what is best to do.

While it is tempting to include your pet in the holiday festivities by feeding them some of the goodies, fatty food scraps can cause stomach upset and can even put your pet at risk of developing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite (anorexia), lethargy and diarrhea. Some dog breeds are more prone to pancreatitis such as miniature schnauzers, miniature poodles and cocker spaniels. Older and overweight dogs can also be prone to pancreatitis, but with an ingestion of fatty foods, any dog can be susceptible. If you are concerned that your pet is displaying any of these symptoms it is best to contact your local vet immediately.

Here’s a list of some common Kiwi favourite treats your cat and dog should avoid:

Pass on the poisonous plants 

While stunning and festive, numerous decorative plants can pose a threat and, at times, be fatal to dogs. Poinsettias serve as a great example of a plant that can lead to significant stomach problems in pets. Moreover, mistletoe and holly may result in discomfort, pain, and vomiting if consumed. To ensure the safety of your pets, consider choosing artificial plants this year. A positive aspect is that you won't need to concern yourself with overwatering, and they can be reused and enjoyed year after year.

Set up a safe space 

From the guest list to the groceries, hosting a holiday party can be overwhelming - and not just for you.

Pets are used to normal, day-to-day activities, so when family and friends begin filtering in and out of your home, pets can become anxious, scared and protective of their surroundings. Give your pet a familiar space to be alone, such as your bedroom. Set up a comfy spot for them with fresh water, their favorite toys, blankets and treats so they feel safe amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.

Traveling over the holidays 

If your holiday season involves travel, check with your veterinarian to make sure that your pet is up to date on their vaccinations well in advance of any trips or boarding. If you’re taking your pet with you via car, make sure they are safe and secure while you are driving. In New Zealand we lose animals to heat stroke. Being left unattended in a stationary car is a common cause of pet heatstroke. While most people understand that pets should never be left in a car for a long time, it can be hard to comprehend just how hot the temperature inside a parked car can get – and how quickly. For more advise on how to travel with your pet check out our article Car safety for dogs: The do’s and don’ts.

Festive holiday decorations 

Love to decorate your home with festive holiday decorations? Be sure to be mindful of your pets. Christmas trees and candles can easily be knocked over by a wagging tail or curious kitten. Make sure your Christmas tree is secure and switch to using solar or battery-operated candles. Avoid using tinsel and ornaments that might shatter such as glass. Try and hang decorations a bit higher on the tree and out of reach of your pet if possible. Cover cords and ensure that lights are unplugged if your not home.

That’s a wrap

Wrapping gifts can turn into a production. Bows everywhere, ribbons unraveled from the roll, tape pieces stuck to tables, chairs and couch cushions — it’s a messy job! Be sure to pick up carefully afterward to ensure your pets don’t get curious and chew or eat wrapping accessories which can turn into foreign bodies within their digestive tracts that can require surgical removal. Ribbons, twine and string may seem like an exciting new toy for your pet, but if they are accidentally swallowed they can cause severe issues as they pass through the digestive tract. Many products contain harmful chemical adhesives that can hurt your pet’s stomach and cause irritation.

New Year’s noise

Ringing in the new year can cause quite the commotion. From music to parties to countdowns and fireworks, it’s safe to say New Year’s Eve is one of the louder holidays. If you’re hosting a party, make sure your pet is safe by having them supervised at home and providing them with a sheltered quiet area to retreat to if you are hosting. If you are hosting an event that may be stressful for your pet to be around, consider boarding them overnight so they can safely ring in the new year in a quiet, calm atmosphere.