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The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings unique challenges for our beloved pets.
With decorations, parties, and bustling activity, Christmas and New Year can be a bit overwhelming and even risky for animals. Here’s a guide on how to keep your pets safe, comfortable, and stress-free over the holiday season.
1. Be Mindful of Christmas Trees and Decorations
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is a holiday staple, but for curious pets, it can be a playground of potential hazards. Cats and dogs alike are often tempted to explore the new “toy” in the living room. Here’s how to keep them safe:
Secure the Tree: Ensure your Christmas tree is stable and cannot easily be knocked over. Consider securing it with fishing line or placing it in a corner, away from pets’ main routes.
Choose Safe Decorations: Avoid glass baubles or fragile ornaments that can break and cause injury. Shiny, edible-looking decorations like tinsel, ribbons, or artificial snow can be very attractive to pets, but if ingested, they can cause serious health issues.
Lights and Cables: Hide electrical cords or use cord covers, as they can be tempting for pets to chew. Make sure any fairy lights are well-secured and avoid placing them at the base of the tree.
2. Create a Quiet Sanctuary
Christmas and New Year gatherings can bring a lot of noise and new faces, which can be stressful for pets. Create a peaceful retreat for them in a quiet room or corner of the house where they can escape if they feel overwhelmed.
Setting Up a Pet Sanctuary:
Provide a comfortable bed or blanket and place it somewhere quiet.
Keep some toys or treats nearby to help them relax.
Use a pet-safe calming diffuser or spray to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Keep water available and ensure it’s fresh.
Encourage guests, especially children, to respect your pets’ space and allow them to come and go as they please.
3. Watch Out for Festive Foods
Christmas is a time of indulgence, but many festive foods are dangerous for pets. Chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, and even turkey bones can be harmful. Be especially careful about what’s left out and within reach of eager paws.
Common Foods to Avoid Giving Pets:
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
Raisins and Grapes: Found in mince pies and Christmas pudding, these can cause kidney failure in pets.
Onions and Garlic: Often used in Christmas cooking, they are harmful to both cats and dogs.
Alcohol: Any type of alcohol can cause serious illness and is best kept far out of reach.
If guests are likely to sneak treats to your pets, kindly remind them of what’s safe and what isn’t. Keep a list of pet-friendly snacks handy as an alternative for those who want to treat your furry friends.
4. Keep Presents and Wrapping Materials Out of Reach
Pets are often curious about the crinkly sounds and smells of wrapping paper, ribbons, and presents. Although it’s adorable to watch them explore, wrapping materials can pose risks.
Wrapping Paper: It’s usually harmless but can be a choking hazard if ingested in large quantities.
Ribbons and Bows: These are particularly appealing but can lead to intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Gifts with Small Parts: Batteries, toys, and small objects can be harmful if pets get their paws (or mouths) on them.
Store gifts out of reach until Christmas morning and supervise pets if they’re around during present opening.
5. Plan for New Year’s Eve Fireworks
For many pets, fireworks are frightening, and New Year’s Eve can be a stressful night. Prepare in advance to help your pet feel safe and comfortable.
Preparing for Fireworks:
Keep Peta Indoors: Ensure they are safely indoors before fireworks begin, and close all windows and curtains to muffle the noise.
Create a Cosy Space: Use blankets to create a comfortable hiding spot. Sometimes a cosy crate or bed in a quiet room can help reduce stress.
Provide Distractions: Try playing gentle music or keeping the TV on as a distraction. Giving your pet a toy or treat can also provide comfort.
Use Calming Aids: Pet-safe anxiety wraps, sprays, or diffusers can also help ease stress, but check with your vet first.
If your pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises, consider discussing additional calming options with your vet in advance.
For a number of years Classic FM has operated a Pet Sounds service with specially curated music aimed at keeping your pets calm. https://www.classicfm.com/radio/shows-presenters/pet-classics
6. Keep Pets Secure When Guests Are Around
With guests coming and going, doors may be left open, increasing the risk of pets slipping out unnoticed. Keep a close eye on any doors, particularly if you have an outdoor cat or a dog who is eager to explore.
Use Gates or Pet Barriers: To prevent escape, consider using baby gates or other barriers to keep pets away from entryways during busy times.
Make Sure They’re Microchipped: Just in case they do get out, a microchip and ID tag with up-to-date information can be essential in helping reunite you with your pet.
7. Give Your Pets Plenty of Love and Attention
The Festive season can be busy, but don’t forget to spend quality time with your pets. Regular play sessions, grooming, or a walk will help them feel included and provide a break from the hustle and bustle. Keeping their routine as consistent as possible, especially with regular feeding and exercise, can go a long way in reducing Christmas and New Year stress and agitation.
8. Be Cautious with Christmas Plants
Christmas plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are festive but can be harmful if ingested by pets. Place them high and out of reach, or opt for pet-safe decorations instead.
Pet-Friendly Alternative Plants:
Christmas cacti and rosemary are generally safer options and still add a festive touch.
Artificial plants can provide a similar look without the risk.
Final Thoughts: A Safe and Festive Holiday for All
By taking a few extra precautions, you can ensure your pets are safe and happy during the holiday season. A pet-safe Christmas not only helps you relax but lets you fully enjoy the festivities with your furry friends by your side.
With some thoughtful planning, the Christmas season can be a special time for every family member, human and animal alike.