Winter Holiday Pet Safety Guide
We're all getting ready for the holiday season and the cold weather that winter brings. You’re probably stocking up on some food, putting up all your decorations, and making sure all your winter clothing is out and within reach. Besides getting yourself ready for colder months so that you and your loved ones are safe, you shouldn't forget about the safety of your furry friends as well.
The holidays are filled with joy and love that will often give us memories that we will keep forever, and nothing spoils this more than unexpected events, such as an emergency trip to the vet. This is why it's crucial to ensure that your pet is ready for the holiday season by stocking up on pet supplies and practicing pet safety for the next months.
If you're curious about what you can do to keep your furry loved ones safe during the holidays, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll share some tips that can help you and your pet have a wonderful and safe winter holiday season. Let's get to it!
1. Look Ahead and Plan in Advance
One of the best ways to avoid sudden emergency trips to the vet or unfortunate events is preparation. However, if any emergencies arise, ensure that you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic right away.
Before the holidays, it's best to get your pet checked at your local vet and ask for recommendations on where you can take your pet should an emergency arise. Besides that, make sure you have the contact information of your veterinarian, a 24/7 emergency clinic, and a poison control hotline.
2. Keep Human Food Away From Your Pets
The holiday season calls for glorious feasts and delicious food. And because of that, your pets will definitely be around the dinner table asking to try some of your meals. Although their puppy dog eyes may be hard to resist, you should be strict about keeping people's food away from them.
Human food, such as chocolate, sweets, turkey, meats, sauces, and other table scraps may be hazardous to your pets, could cause health problems, and in worse cases, be fatal.
If your dog accidentally ingests some of your food and is experiencing pain and discomfort, you need to act quickly and call your veterinarian or emergency clinic.
Instead of giving in to the puppy eyes with human food, why not some dog-friendly food or treats that we know they'll love? Here are some of our favorites right now:
Pet's Best Life Yummy Combs Everest Cheese Puffs Stella & Chewy's Wild Weenies
3. Protect Your Guests and Pets
During the holiday season, you may need to host house parties more often than you're used to, and your pets may be put under a lot of stress because of all the guests in your home.
To make sure they're safe and comfortable, ensure that you provide your pets with a quiet space so that they can retreat and rest. Additionally, you want to inform your guests that you have pets before they come to your home, just in case any of them have allergies.
Since your guests may bring potluck meals and enjoy the feast with you, remind them to keep the food away from your pets and provide them with pet supplies and snacks instead. This way, they'll have something safer to give to your pets.
4. Pet-Proof Your Place
No matter how well trained your dog may be, they can still be tempted into erratic behavior by seemingly innocuous items left in the open: bouillon cubes, a scented candle, and wrapping paper may all seem like delicious snacks or new toys. Take a few minutes to visit every room in your home and specifically pet-proof your place, putting low-hanging fruit into a place that won't be so tempting, or pushing items away from the edges of countertops.
Although it can seem funny to some to return home to a house covered in cotton because Buster decided to shred a pillow, there are far worse scenarios to consider than losing a pillow and we would hate to see any harm come to the wonderful pets and people in our community here in Marysville. Consider shopping for some new dog toys, canine enrichment activities, or other items that can occupy your dog happily while you're not home.
Conclusion
The holiday season is the time of the year that everyone, even your pets, should enjoy. And to ensure that you have one filled with great memories and joy, preparation is key. So besides preparing yourself and your family for the holidays, make sure that your furry loved ones are safe as well. Follow the tips we mentioned and stock up on their favorite pet supplies. This way, you and your pets will stay happy and safe during the holidays!
Do you need to stock up on pet supplies? Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming is your neighborhood pet nutrition center, wellness spa, and pet store in Marysville, WA. We are passionate about animals and constantly find ways to improve the quality of their lives. At our shop, we offer natural pet foods, raw foods, accessories, and other pet essentials. Check out our products and services today!