Keeping your pets safe this festive season
Being grabbed, cuddled and told you're a good boy over and over is not some dogs' idea of a fun day out
During the Christmas period, we need to make sure our pets are able to cope with the festivities and that they stay well and happy. Spectacular fireworks are a highlight, resulting in loud noises that can be a source of stress and anxiety for many pets. Animal shelters and animal control agencies across the country see a spike in stray/lost dogs during this period and after.
Here are some tips to consider during this period:
Create a home sanctuary: Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room where the pet normally spends time and is comfortable, with no windows or doors to access the outside, may be best.
Never leave pets outside and unattended: Even in a fenced-in yard, panic can lead a pet to escape and get lost, or become injured while trying to seek refuge.
Make sure your pet always wears identification. In the unfortunate event that your pet gets lost, an updated identification tag greatly increases your chances of being reunited, even if your pet is microchipped.
Protect your property: When scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that can become damaged or might harm your pet if it was to be chewed.
Some foods can be harmful: Many festive foods can be harmful and toxic to cats and dogs. These include fatty or spicy foods, breads and dough, fresh herbs, alcoholic beverages and sweets of all kinds, especially those with chocolate or artificial sweeteners.
Keep all human food away from your beloved pets.
Fun, parties and visitors over the holidays:
Some dogs will enjoy extra people around, while for some it can be very stressful. If you’re hosting a party or get-together, some dogs will become over-excited or frightened when around unusual noises such as children, toys, balloons popping, party bangers, flashing lights, etc, and intoxicated visitors can also cause a dog to feel uneasy. Being grabbed, cuddled and told you’re a good boy over and over is not some dogs’ idea of a fun day out, so plan in advance to help keep your pet relaxed.
If your cat/dog is known not to cope well with these types of situations, or you haven’t had your pet long enough to find out, don’t take chances; be ready with your pet’s retreat area.
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