Holiday season: how to prevent stress and incidents?

While the holiday season is a time of joy for humans, it can be stressful and potentially dangerous for our four-legged friends. Here are some tips for having a wonderful Christmas without having to go to the emergency room.

Decorations and gift wrapping

Fairy lights may be attractive to cats but can cause serious health problems if ingested. Opt for pet-friendly decorations, placing ornaments and lights out of reach of your pet. The same goes for electrical wires; don’t hesitate to camouflage them by using a plastic sheath.

Anchor your tree securely to prevent it from tipping over if your pet decides to dig into it. Place breakable ornaments higher on the tree and avoid using decorations that can be harmful if chewed or swallowed.

Keep candles out of reach of your pet and consider using flameless LED candles as an alternative. This avoids the risk of burns or accidental fires caused by a curious pet.

Gift wrapping materials like ribbons, bows, and paper can be intriguing to pets, but they also pose a choking hazard. Promptly dispose of wrapping materials and store gifts in secure areas.

Poisonous plants

Many traditional Christmas plants, such as poinsettias and mistletoe, can be toxic to pets. Opt for pet-safe alternatives or place these plants in inaccessible areas. Keep an eye on your pet when introducing new plants into the home, and consult your veterinarian if you suspect plant ingestion.

Choose the right treats

While it may be tempting to share holiday treats with your pet, many holiday foods are toxic to pets. Avoid giving them chocolate, raisins, nuts, and anything containing xylitol. Instead, offer pet-friendly treats in moderation.

Preventing Visit Stress

1. Before the visit:

• We prepare our dog and its environment. Plan a secluded place to isolate the dog for the entire evening or for periods, depending on its needs.
• The night before, prepare, for example, Kong toys filled with frozen treats. You can offer them to your dog quickly during the evening, it will keep him busy for a good while.
• In the afternoon, do a long period of exercise, in order to use up as much of your companion’s energy as possible.

2. Upon arrival of the visit:

• Greet guests with your dog on a leash and offer him a treat as soon as he displays calm behavior.
• Feel free to leave jars of treats around the house so guests can offer rewards when your dog behaves well.

3. During the visit:

• Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s important to maintain your pet’s routine. Stick to regular feeding, bathing, and walking schedules to ensure stability and reduce stress for your furry friend.
• With guests coming and going, make sure your pet has a quiet, safe space to retreat to when needed.
• Actively monitor the dog’s interactions with children, even if the dog is used to them.
• Beware of open doors! Guests sometimes forget that there is an animal that can escape when a door opens.

For cats and exotic animals

We strongly advise you to isolate these animals in a room during the evening or to provide them with an area where no one will disturb them. Put a sign on the door to warn guests not to enter this room.

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