By Willow Symonds
Staff Writer
Food & Drink
Many animals evolved to scavenge for food, but this instinct can end badly for the household pets of today. During the winter holidays, people cook big meals and prepare festive drinks – and they may share tidbits with their dogs and cats.
Too many fatty products, like chicken skin and whole-fat cheese, may upset your animal’s stomach and cause them to gain weight. Wedgewood Pharmacy recommends skinning chickens and removing turkey bones before feeding dogs and cats. Stick to hard, low-fat cheese, like cheddar and Swiss. Most importantly, avoid giving them any kind of chocolate.
Remember to keep your wine glasses high above your animal’s reach. According to Pet Poison Helpline, for dogs, alcohol can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. Soft drinks, like Pepsi and Fanta, aren’t as dangerous to dogs but are still extremely unhealthy.
Wild Earth recommends owners instead give their dogs nut milk (not regular milk, due to many dogs being lactose intolerant), pure vegetable juice, and cool water. Cats should drink only water. Bone broth can be beneficial for a cat’s carnivorous diet, but even then, owners should make this an occasional treat.
No matter what you have ready for your big meal, don’t leave your pet unattended within reach of the plates and cups.
Presents & Decorations
Some pets stay away from things not belonging to them, but others get their paws into presents and holiday decorations. Owners of mischievous dogs and cats should avoid hanging easily-shattered decorations and instead opt for safer alternatives.
Top Dog Tips recommends setting up a small fence that is a few feet around the base of your Christmas tree. This keeps fallen pine needles inside the barrier and your pets on the outside are unable to shake down ornaments or climb up the tree.
Due to ink and other harsh chemicals, wrapping paper is toxic to animals that ingest it. Consider designating one person on Christmas Day to collect paper scraps in a plastic bag instead of leaving them on the floor.
To avoid fire hazards, electric candles may better suit a household with pets. Plus, they don’t cause smoke inhalation.
Most people probably don’t realize that mistletoe is toxic to dogs, cats, and even horses; Hang it at the top of the doorframe, far away from your pet’s reach.
Cold Weather
Some dogs withstand harsh weather better than other breeds. The American Kennel Club explains that small dogs, especially ones with thin fur coats, should spend no more than 15 minutes outside in freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit or below). Bigger dogs can spend up to an hour in the same conditions. Elderly dogs and dogs with health issues should be supervised outside, even more so during this time of year.
However, if you keep your dog outside during the day, remember to bring them inside before nightfall, no matter their size, age, or fur type.
Fireworks & Fireplaces
Setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to traumatize your animals. To prevent bodily harm and unnecessary agitation, keep pets inside the house during firework shows. Lock the doors, draw the curtains, and designate a safe area for them to hide.
Even with the pet inside, put on their collar or some other form of identification. This might sound strange, but if your dog or cat runs from your loud celebration, then you want to make sure you can find them among the increase of animals turning up in shelters on July 4th and New Year’s Day.
Whether your fireplace uses wood, gas, or electricity, the open fire can harm your pet. As with the Christmas tree, keep a small barrier in front of your fireplace. Make sure your dog or cat can’t get close enough to singe their fur. Install a carbon monoxide detector, not just to protect your pet but to protect your family and guests as well, especially as most people keep their windows closed this time of year.
Everyone should stay safe, warm, and happy during the holidays – and that includes pets, too.
