Are you a new pet owner?
Worried that your pet will destroy your decorations?
Want tips on how to deal with your pets anxiety around the party season?
Well! Now that December is finally here, and the ‘C’ word is no longer forbidden…We have created a guide to help make sure that the most wonderful time of the year is also a pet friendly one! So take a look below at some of the things to look out for this Christmas.
Tis The (Party) Season To Be Jolly
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the household can get hectic at times. Make sure that you create a safe space for your pet in a separate room. Allowing your dog to retreat to somewhere quiet where they can feel safe and relaxed. Adding blankets and their favourite toys allows them to snuggle up if they need a bit of down time. The radio can also help to muffle the noise of your extra Christmas guests.
Whilst you’re entertaining, we recommend using a boredom buster to keep your pooch occupied and their anxiety at bay. Licki Mats or Kong toys will work brilliantly and distract your pet for hours. A little tip! Put your treat filled toy in the freezer beforehand to keep your pet occupied for even longer!
Keeping up with their routine is also a great way to keep this time of year as less stressful as possible. Why not take your pet for a walk before welcoming your guests. This will exercise their mind and body to help calm your pet and tire them out.
Don’t forget to prepare in advance for any loud noises that may trigger your pets this festive season. Fireworks, pulling crackers and party poppers can be terrifying for a lot of animals. If you need help to naturally dial down your pets fireworks fear, in store and online you will find our Dorwest, Adaptil and Pet Remedy ranges to help restore calm to your four-legged friend.
O Christmas Tree
Whether you have a real or artificial tree, your pet may see it as their new favourite toy/activity. Avoid any “cat-astrophes” by making sure your tree is well anchored down. Don’t forget to keep tree decorations out of paws reach or opt for ones that can’t be broken by your curious canine.
Lastly, make sure to hoover up any loose pine needles to prevent them getting stuck in any paws. Chewed or ingested, pine needles can also disrupt your pets digestive system or cause irritation to the mouth and throat.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Christmas is usually an indulgent time in regard to food and drink. So when it comes to our furry friends, we have to be extra careful. Chocolate, raisins, nuts, fruit cake and mince pies are all toxic for pets. Rich foods can also cause serious upset, especially if you have a sensitive doggo. Instead, offer a meaty treat or try carob as an alternative to chocolate.
Christmas presents under the tree can also be too tempting for our four-legged friends, especially if the gift is edible! So it’s best to keep these safely out of reach. Also, consider avoiding any edible treats like chocolate or candy canes on the tree – Or at least hang them high up away from curious snouts.
When it comes to buying treat gifts for your pooch, cheap isn’t always cheerful. Products such has rawhide can be a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockages as they aren’t fully digestible. At Pups, Pets and Ponies we are big advocates of all natural treats and chews. Our favourite being our huge Anco range which are 100% natural and contain no artificial nasties. Trust us, our dogs can’t get enough!
Also, if you have a sensitive pooch, why not pop into store where we can tailor gifts to your pets own specific dietary needs! We are also on hand to answer any other worries or queries you have about the festive season.
We can’t wait to see you over the Christmas period!
