Christmas is such a magical time of year, full of fun, family, and of course, furry friends! But if you’re planning a festive get-together this holiday season, it’s important to think about how safe your beloved pup will be. With some careful planning and preparation, you can ensure your four-legged friend stays happy and healthy during their Christmas celebration. Read on to learn some helpful tips on how to ‘Protect Your Pet’ this festive season!
1. Deck the Halls with Extra Care for Fido
This holiday season, don’t forget about your furry friend when it comes to decoration. Even if your pup loves Christmas, there are still things that you need to pay extra caution to in order to make sure that their holidays are spent in safe, injury-free fun. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Keep wires and cords out of the way. In the excitement of the season, your pup may get curious, and wires and cords can be a choking hazard. Make sure they’re stored away and not lying loose in an area where your pup can get to it.
- Secure ornaments. Ornaments, especially fragile ones, can be easily torn apart or broken. Make sure that all ornaments are out of reach of your pup’s paw and secure them so they won’t be knocked down.
- Be mindful of sharp objects. This includes things like tinsel and mirrors—make sure your dog stays clear of them.This is especially important when it comes to trees, as decorations can quickly break, causing trouble for your pup.
Your pup is sure to appreciate all the glitter and glam that comes with the season, just make sure to give extra caution and care when handling the decorations. You’ll both be set for a merry holiday!
2. Make Christmas More Enjoyable for Your Dog
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and your pup needs to get in on the action. Make your dog’s festivities even more enjoyable by following these simple tips.
- Decorate a doggy tree: Deck out your main Christmas tree with decorations your pooch can’t help but envy, such as present-shaped ornaments and toys with squeakers. You can even hang a few edible ornaments on the tree where your pup can get in on the fun.
- Introduce scents of the season: Decorating the house with festive scents can help make the holidays more special for your four-legged family member. For example, you can give your pup a mini stocking filled with scented potpourri or even some mulled cider spiced pouches.
You can also create some special activities for your pup. For instance, make an agility course in the living room and have your furry friend race around it with some festive treats as a prize. Or why not take your pup out on an adventurous hike the day before Christmas and let him explore the wintery surroundings. Whatever you choose to do, your pup will be sure to love being part of the Holiday cheer.
3. Secure Your Festive Pet-Proof Home
Pets can turn even the most orderly homes into a chaos of spilled toys, mud, and hair. However, you can make your pet-friendly home safe and festive for the holiday season. Here are a few tips to help keep your furry friends safe and healthy!
- Keep your pet toys stored away, away from choking hazards and decorations.
- Secure electrical cords in plastic bags, this will protect pets from being electrocuted.
- Place your pet’s food and water bowl away from hazardous surfaces, like exposed cables and cords.
- Always leave bright lights on if you leave your pet home alone.
Toxic Hazards: Keep your decorations high and watch out for items that your pet could chew. Most types of Christmas trees are not toxic, but some of the decorations can be! Check with your vet and make sure that anything edible is kept out of your pet’s reach.
4. Keep Your Pet Safe and Stress-Free This Holiday
The holiday season is an exciting time of year, between decorating, gifts, and festive gatherings, it’s the perfect time for joy, lights and cheer. But for our furry companions, all the changes to their environment can be quite overwhelming and even dangerous. Here are some tips to make sure your pet is safe and stress-free this holiday season:
- New Decorations & Ornaments: Always make sure new decorations or ornaments are placed out of reach of your pet, as they can be a choking hazard or toxic. Be aware of what the decorations are made of or if they contain audio sounds that may frighten your pet.
- Gifts & Wrapping Paper: Gift-giving is an important part of the holidays, but make sure to keep all strings, ribbons, and wrapping paper away from your pet. They may be too tempting for some and could be ingested, posing a choking or intestinal blockage risk.
- Food & Drinks: Christmas treats like chocolate and alcoholic drinks can be toxic for animals, so make sure to keep them away from your pet and out of reach. Ensure no loitering crumbs from Christmas dinner are accessible, as some seasonal foods like onions and garlic can cause your pet to become ill.
Consider keeping your pet in a separate, quiet room while decorations and festivities are going on. This offers a secure and controlled environment away from loud noises or strong aromas which could be a source of stress. Be sure to keep up their routine, providing plenty of exercise and healthy food, and allow them plenty of time for cuddles and play!
’Tis the season to be jolly – but it can also be a potentially dangerous time for our canine friends if we’re not careful. With a few simple tips to keep your furry family safe and sound, you can ensure that your pup has the happiest of holiday seasons!