The holiday season marks the end of the year and fresh beginnings, with all the joys of gift giving and festive celebrations. Pets are family too and should be included in the gaiety of the holiday spirit.
As you prepare your home for the holidays, please keep in mind that not all decorations or holiday sweets are pet friendly. When you deck your halls, please keep these safety tips in mind. Professional pet sitters are always on guard with protective measures year-round, with an eye on these important holiday elements.
Oh Christmas Tree
Your tree should be anchored so it doesn’t tip over, especially when nosy noses investigate something new in the room (and they will). Cats especially like to climb trees. Cats are good climbers. It’s not only in their ancestry, but their extendable claws give them a really good grip on tree trunks!
If you have a natural tree, make sure the tree water is kept clean. Oils produced by fir trees can cause irritation to a pet’s stomach. Tree needles would not digest well either with possible obstruction or punctures if consumed.
Small, breakable ornaments should be at the top of your tree. Best to consider ornaments with tie string vs hooks…broken ornaments are a common occurrence and shards and hooks on the floor can be hazardous to your pup’s paws.
Only turn your tree lights on when you are home. Take the same precaution with lit candles. Be careful about tree lights, as they can cause electric shock or burns if chewed on. Be extra vigilant with puppies and younger dogs as they naturally explore their world in a “taste and test” fashion.
Flocked trees could be toxic if the branches become Fido’s new chew stick. Keep presents stored offsite as long as possible (so they aren’t opened early by curious canines and felines). 
Holiday Treats
Yummy chocolates and Christmas confections magically multiply during the holidays. Sugary sweets and chocolate are not meant for sharing with your pets however. Xylitol, used as a sugar substitute, may also be found in some brands of peanut butter, yogurt, toothpaste and chewing gum and is extremely dangerous to dogs.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, muscle weakness, difficulty walking and tremors – and they usually begin within 15-30 minutes of consumption.
Dog-Safe Toys
Some dogs like to “attack their prey” (they can’t help their ancestral disposition), so be sure to buy dog toys that do not have small parts or squeaky inserts.
Unless your dog is a soft gummer, stick with sturdier chew toys, such as Nyla bones, Bully Sticks or Kong’s. Most of us have witnessed the destruction of plush toys after a rigorous round of “seek and destroy”. The plush toy always loses!
Toxic Holiday Plants
Holly, Mistletoe, Lilies, Daffodils and Amaryllis are potential GI upsets waiting to happen, if ingested. If you have these natural plants in the home, make sure they are out of nose reach.
According to Pet Poison Hotline https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
- “Though they have a bad rap, Poinsettia plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. While poinsettias are commonly “hyped” as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen.”
Erring on the side of caution, some Poinsettia plants may have been treated with pesticides, so avoid having these plants in close contact with household pets.
For a complete list of toxic (and non-toxic) plants for pets, visit: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
New Year’s Noises
Loud noises, firecrackers and party horns are fun for us, yet may cause anxiety for some dogs. So much so, they may attempt to escape. If your dog is prone to anxiousness, place him in a quiet room during the countdown to 2025.
A dog’s sense of hearing is 100x better than ours. Extremely loud noises are especially painful if not anxiety-provoking for a dog. Conversely, senior dogs not formerly prone to extremely loud noises may show new signs of distress as their hearing changes with age. This could affect how they react as they register sounds differently.
Whether entertaining at home or planning to leave the house, create a quiet room where your pets and guests can’t see outside. Play soft, classical music. Turn on a fan or other “white noise” tactics and make sure they aren’t alone for long.
If you notice a dog is getting anxious during the fireworks, speak soothingly during the display and shutter the windows or lower the blinds. Do not overly compensate their fear by smothering them with more-than-usual affection. However, if they run for cover, under a bed or behind a sofa, then seek you out for assurance, embrace that opportunity to snuggle and console. Never scold a dog for being scared.
Pet Pro tip: For a deeper dive regarding how long a dog should be left home alone, please read this faboo article by Whole Dog Journal: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/how-long-is-too-long-to-leave-a-dog-alone/
If you must leave, include toys, hidden treats and comfort objects in this ‘safety’ room. Have a full, fresh bowl of water available (anxious dogs pant more so need to drink more) and serve dinner well in advance (anxious dogs often won’t eat).
CALMING SOLUTIONS
Tranquil solutions for dogs and cats, such as calming treats, pheromone diffusers and anxiety wraps, offer numerous benefits for anxious pets. These solutions help reduce stress and anxiety, making pets feel more comfortable and secure. Best to discuss this with your clients in advance as they may have their own products and special instructions to administer when their pets are in your care.
Pet Pro Tip: Best to refrain from administering a calming aid without obtaining client permission first! You cannot predict if your furry guest will have a negative reaction to your “solution”.
It is a pet sitter’s job and joy to provide comfort and considerate care for other people’s pets. It is our pleasure to have you as a member. If you haven’t checked us out yet, give yourself a present and join for only $10/month @ http://associationofpetprofessionals.com/join-us
Warm wishes for peace, love and laughter this holiday season!
Hugs,
Your Pet Pros @ AoPP
photo credits: Pomeranian with Santa hat: Anna Bondarenko on pexels
Dogs in costumes: Karsten Winegeart on unsplash
Dog sniffing presents: Roman Odintsov on pexels
Funny meme found on social media