By Loree Walden
Yavapai Humane Society
Hey, kids! It’s almost Thanksgiving, and soon after that, the winter holidays will be here! These are exciting times filled with family, friends, delicious food, and tons of fun. But do you know who else loves the holidays? That’s right—your pets! Your dog, cat, or any other pet loves being around during all the celebrations. But there are some important things you need to know to keep them safe and happy while you’re enjoying the holidays. Let’s talk about some cool ways to do that!
1. Watch Out for Sneaky Snacks!
You probably love Thanksgiving because of all the yummy food, like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pies. But not all the food you enjoy is good for your pets. Some foods can make them really sick!
• Turkey Bones: You might think it’s nice to share some turkey with your dog or cat but be careful! Turkey bones can break into sharp pieces and hurt your pet’s tummy.
• Onions and Garlic: These are often used in holiday dishes, but they’re a big no-no for pets. They can hurt their red blood cells, which isn’t good at all.
• Chocolate and Candy: Yum, right? Well, not for your pets! Chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats, and so is candy with something called “xylitol,” a sweetener found in some sugar-free treats.
What can you do? Make sure your pets don’t sneak any food from the table, and if you want to give them a treat, ask an adult if there are any pet-safe snacks available.
Decorations: Fun But Use Care
Twinkling lights, shiny tinsel, and sparkly ornaments make your house feel magical! However, these can sometimes be confusing or even dangerous.
• Tinsel and Ribbons: Cats especially love to play with shiny things like tinsel or gift ribbon. But if they swallow it, it could get stuck in their stomachs. That could mean a trip to the vet!
• Christmas Lights: The lights look so pretty, but curious pets might try to chew on the cords. This can give them a shock, which is really dangerous! Make sure the cords are out of reach and turned off when you’re not around.
• Holiday Plants: Some plants we use to decorate, like poinsettias, mistletoe, or holly, are poisonous to pets. Keep them up high where your pet can’t reach them.
Make pet-friendly decorations, or even make some homemade decorations just for them! Create a special toy or a holiday bed for your pet to enjoy.
Guests & Noise: Keep Pets Calm
During Thanksgiving or winter holidays, you might have a lot of visitors coming over. This is super fun for you, but sometimes pets can feel a little overwhelmed or scared by new people and noise.
• Create a Safe Space: Make sure your pet has a quiet place where they can relax if the house gets too noisy. A cozy bed in a quiet room is a perfect spot for them to chill.
• Stranger Danger: Some pets get nervous around new people. Remind your guests to be gentle and give your pet space. If your pet doesn’t want to be petted or picked up, that’s okay! Let them come to the guests when they’re ready.
• Open Doors: With guests coming in and out, doors might be left open, and your pet could sneak outside. Ask your family to watch the doors and make sure your pets stay inside.
A cool way to help is to remind everyone to watch out for your pet. You can be in charge of making sure they have their quiet time when things get too busy.
Cold Weather Adventures
When the weather gets colder, you bundle up in warm clothes. But what about your pets? They need to stay warm too, especially if they spend time outside.
• Warm and Cozy: Make sure your pets have a warm place to sleep. If they go outside, they need a cozy spot to come back to where they can get out of the cold.
• Snow and Ice: If it snows, dogs love to run and play but be careful! Ice can hurt their paws or make them slip and fall. You can check their paws after playtime to make sure they’re okay.
• Holiday Travel: If your family is traveling for the holidays, make a plan for your pet. They’ll either need to travel safely with you or stay with someone who can take care of them.
Help your pet by making them a comfy blanket fort or checking their paws after a fun snow day. Pets love it when you look out for them!
Give Them Some Extra Love
Pets love the holidays because they get to spend extra time with their favorite people – YOU! Between all the excitement of Thanksgiving and winter holidays, remember to give your pets some extra love. Whether it’s a nice belly rub, a snuggle on the couch, or playing their favorite game, your pet will love the special attention!