Here’s to a safe, cozy, joy-filled season for you and your furry family.
With all the cooking and baking we do this time of year, it’s no surprise our pets park themselves right under our feet. They know good things come out of that kitchen and they can often smell it before we do because they have an incredible sense of smell. But as much as we’d love to share the holiday goodies with them, a lot of what we enjoy just isn’t safe for them. Chocolate, rich dishes and those tempting poultry bones can lead to real health problems. So, it’s important to limit their diet to pet-friendly choices… not human ones!
One Big Playground?
Decorating is another big part of the season, and pets can see it as one giant playground. Sparkly ornaments, curling ribbon, tinsel, lights – they all look like toys waiting to be pounced on. And, of course, some holiday plants are beautiful but not so great if a pet decides to chew on them. Keeping things out of reach and tucking cords away can make a big difference. It only takes a minute to look around and think, “Could my cat turn this into a disaster?” If the answer is “Yes!” a quick adjustment could save you and your pet a lot of stress.
Creating a Quiet Space
If your home gets busy with visitors, it’s good to remember that our pets don’t always see the holidays the same way we do. Some of them love the extra attention, and others would rather hide in a quiet corner until everyone leaves. Giving them a little safe space where they can go if it gets too loud or too crowded helps them feel comfortable. And with people coming and going, watching the doors is a big one. The last thing anyone wants is a pet slipping outside because someone held the door open too long. No one wants to have their pet go missing and be at risk!
Staying Warm
And then there’s the cold. Winter is beautiful, but it can be rough on pets. Making sure they have a warm, cozy place to sleep, checking their paws after being outside, and just keeping an eye on how they’re handling the weather makes a big difference. Do our pets really want to put on that cute sweater? No, but they need to keep warm just like we do!
At the end of the day, the holidays are really about time together, and our pets feel that more than we know because there is so much happening around them. But here’s the thing: they don’t care about the decorations or the gifts. They care that you’re there. A little extra snuggle time, a calm moment on the couch, or just a bit of extra attention goes a long way in making their holiday just as happy as yours.
Here’s to a safe, cozy, joy-filled season for you and your furry family. They make every bit of the holidays brighter, and with just a little extra thought, we can make sure the season is just as special (and safe) for them. FBN
By Loree Walden, Special to FBN
Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.
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