When it comes to the holidays, your Canine Correspondent has much to say about creating safe and cozy spaces and traditions for our furry friends. Just remember . . . I’m a pet, not a vet! Always consult the professionals. Check with your veterinarian for questions and tips on how to keep us safe during this festive season.
Here are some of my best tips:
Consistency is Key: We pets LOVE a good routine. With all the holiday hustle and bustle, try to keep our feeding and walk times as regular as possible. It helps us feel secure, especially when there are new sights, sounds and smells around. And trust me, a steady treat schedule doesn’t hurt either!
Create a Cozy Spot: We get it: The holidays can be busy! Having a cozy little corner with a comfy bed or blanket where we can retreat if things get too loud is a great idea. It’s like our own little holiday sanctuary.
Mind the Tinsel & Treats – Holiday decorations are fun to look at but can be risky for us pets. Tinsel, string lights and glass ornaments can be oh-so-tempting (and potentially dangerous). And if you have guests over, please remind them not to sneak us any treats—no matter how irresistible our puppy-dog eyes may be. Some holiday foods aren’t safe for us, especially chocolate, onions and certain spices.
Watch the Holiday Hazards: You might love the smell of poinsettias and holly, but did you know that some holiday plants are actually toxic to us? Keep poinsettias, mistletoe and holly out of paw’s reach, or better yet, go for pet-safe holiday greenery.
Involve Us in the Festivities: We love being part of the family fun! Take us along on a holiday walk or let us “help” you unwrap gifts. (Just make sure to watch us very closely because—WOW!—it’s so fun but it can also be very dangerous for us!) If you have special plans, think about giving us our own little holiday gift, like a new chew toy or a cozy sweater. We’re all about those little moments of joy!
Give Us Time to Adjust: If you’re adopting a new furry family member, give us some time to settle in. New faces, new spaces—it can be overwhelming! Be patient, give us a lot of love and help us feel safe. We’ll be your best buddy in no time.
Set Us Up for New Year’s Success: Think about what kind of routines or training you’d like to focus on in the new year.
We’re more than happy to learn, whether it’s a new trick or just perfecting “sit” and “stay.” It’s a great way to keep us engaged and keep that human-pet bond going strong.
Get Us a Winter Wardrobe: Some pets (especially short-haired ones like me!) appreciate a little extra warmth during those chilly winter days. A cozy sweater or warm jacket can make those winter walks more enjoyable—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little holiday fashion?
Patience, Please: Sometimes the holiday season can feel a bit overwhelming for us, especially if there are lots of visitors, loud noises or new things in the house. Be patient with us if we’re a little more excitable or shyer than usual. A bit of extra understanding goes a long way.
Cherish the Moment: Last but not least, remember to enjoy every minute with us. Whether it’s snuggling up on the couch, playing in the snow or watching those twinkling lights together, these moments are what make the holidays magical. For us pets, being close to our humans is the best gift of all.
Wishing you all the joy, love and a little extra kibble this holiday season! Remember, it’s the moments with those we love that make the holidays truly special. Happy HOWL-idays!
Wade