With winter festivities upon us, the ASPCA® has key safety reminders for cat and dog owners during the frenzy of the holiday season.
Keeping pets warm, healthy, and happy
Much of the country is facing freezing temperatures this time of year. If it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet! During inclement weather, keep your pets inside where they can stay safe and warm, and consider giving short-haired or smaller dogs a coat and booties to wear during short walks. After each walk, make sure to towel-dry your pet and clean their paws and stomach.
Also, outdoor cats sometimes seek shelter underneath cars during winter. Bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give cats a chance to escape.
Travel safely
If you’ll be hitting the road for the holidays, ensure your pet is microchipped for identification and wears a collar and tag imprinted with your name, cell phone number, and any relevant contact information, no matter where you’re headed or how you plan to get there.
In the car, keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in. Secure the crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop. If your pet isn’t used to a crate, make it a comfortable space for them to relax, and get them gradually accustomed to it ahead of time with tasty treats. If you decide to forgo the crate, don’t allow your pet to ride with their head outside the window, and always keep them in a harness attached to a seat buckle.
If there are other dogs at your final destination, be sure to introduce the dogs on neutral territory first, like outside on a walk. Always feed them in separate rooms, and avoid giving chew toys or other high-value treats when they are together.
Delicious and decorative dangers
Once the party gets started, be sure to place any unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. Alcohol, in addition to fatty, sweet, and spicy foods, as well as turkey and chicken bones, can all be dangerous to our pets. While a small piece of boneless turkey is a fine treat, be mindful of foods with any toxic spices or ingredients.
Be cautious of pets around decorations, including tinsel, mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and Christmas tree water. These can all pose dangers — mainly gastrointestinal — to our beloved pets.
Hosting and attending holiday gatherings
Big gatherings can be scary and stressful for some pets. If so, set your cat or dog up with their favorite toys (such as a delicious chew or food puzzle toy for dogs, and interactive toys for cats) away from the chaos. Give your pup a frozen toy filled with something delicious, like pumpkin puree or plain yogurt, that they can enjoy in their “chill zone” away from the festivities. It will keep them busy and mentally stimulated, which can soothe energetic pets and those who are anxious around crowds of people or children. If your dog typically doesn’t like other dogs or strangers, it’s best to find a way to avoid forced holiday coexistence. That’ll keep everyone safer and happier!
