This time of year can be especially busy as pet parents rush to holiday events, host out-of-town guests, and fill their homes with holiday cheer.
It’s also a time of year that can affect your pet’s health and well-being. I sat with Dr. Benjamin CarterChewy Health’s chief medical officer discussed considerations veterinarians should know this holiday season on a recent PetMD Facebook Live.
Important points
- Choose durable toys and treats based on your pet’s size, personality, and dietary needs.
- Make sure your pet has a comfortable and appropriately sized carrier bag and develop good travel habits.
- Provide a quiet place for your pet to seek refuge if he or she becomes overwhelmed by guests or festivities. And always tell your guests what they can and cannot feed their dogs and cats.
- For older pets, it’s important to have proper comfort, such as an orthopedic bed, when traveling or having gatherings.
1. Make sure your gift matches your personality
Everyone loves watching their dog or cat discover new holiday treats and toys. However, be aware that new gifts can be problematic, especially from people who don’t know your pet’s personality well.
If your dog is notorious for chewing up stuffed animals you give him, consider giving him an unbreakable gift. like a chew toy kong® or Nylabone® is a great option for puppies who like to fight over toys. The toys you give your pet should be durable and not at risk of breaking.
Additionally, if your pet has food allergies, check for the treats and flavored bones Santa left in the stocking. Even small amounts of known allergens can cause a reaction.
When creating your pet’s holiday list, consider your pet’s size when choosing things like chew toys, bones, and other fun options. This helps prevent unintended problems such as: swallow toys Or suffocate.
If you have a pup that has a lot of energy and needs work, consider the following: puzzle feeder To keep them occupied throughout the day. For senior puppies, orthopedic beds for aging joints should be at the top of the list.
For cats, puzzle, interactive toysand ball chaser It’s a wonderful gift. Be wary of toys with strings (or long strings) to avoid accidental ingestion and veterinary care.
2. Prepare for your trip in advance
The holiday season brings a lot of travel, and pet parents choose to take their animals out to celebrate. When preparing your dog or cat for the road ahead, your goal is to make their experience as smooth as possible.
If you travel and need to put your pet in a pet carrier, make sure you have one. travel carrier The size is set appropriately according to your height and weight.
As a rule of thumb, your pet should be able to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably in any crate or carrier. If you’re planning a long road trip or extended stay outside the home, add the following Clip-on food and water bowls (or water bottle) so everything is available in a comfortable carry bag.
If your pet has symptoms of nausea (motion sickness in a car) or anxiety, consult your veterinarian before your vacation trip. Your veterinarian can recommend over-the-counter supplements and medications to help your pet feel better while traveling.
Your veterinarian may also recommend testing the medication before going out in case there are any side effects. Therefore, the sooner you schedule a consultation with your veterinarian, the better.
If your pet isn’t used to car rides or carriers, it may be helpful to practice before you actually travel. A short drive around your neighborhood is a great dry run before a long adventure ahead.
3. Always keep a safe space in mind when guests visit
Pets don’t always love vacation visitors as much as we do, so it’s important to know how your dog or cat reacts to strangers. Knowing whether they are shy or attention-seeking around new people will help you understand how they will behave in the holiday hustle and bustle. Just like us humans, pets sometimes need a break from their family at home.
No matter how much your dog or cat likes or dislikes visitors, it’s important to have their own “safe space” away from noise and commotion. Whether it’s a mudroom or a sleeping area, make sure you have food and water available in case you want to camp outside during mealtimes.
If you own a cat, add trash can This location means you’ll have everything you need in one area. Make sure the area you choose is climate-controlled and well-ventilated to keep your dog or cat comfortable.
Some guests love to pamper their family pets and may want to give them holiday leftovers as treats. Inform your family about the importance of not feeding from the table (yes, we know your dog’s eyes are too cute to resist) and how some holiday foods are toxic to dogs and cats. Please educate me. Instead, give your guests a list of foods that are safe for dogs and cats, and be careful not to overindulge in treats.
If you notice that your pet is suffering from potential anxiety during the holiday season or when there are changes in daily routine, talk to your veterinarian about the best next steps.
This may include behavior modification and training, environmental modifications, and even the addition of supplements or medications.
It’s also important to make sure your pet doesn’t have any underlying medical conditions that could contribute to behavioral changes. Calming snacks, supplements, and environmental changes may help.
4. Handle senior pets carefully
Senior pets are the best. While we usually want to include them in all our holiday activities, we must keep in mind that there are limits to what our elderly friends can and cannot do in their golden years.
If you plan on traveling with a senior pet, comfort and ease should be your top priority, as their agility is not what it once was. Get an additional orthopedic bed for your expedition to pad your joints.
An orthopedic bed can be added to your cat carrier or under your pup in the back seat. Plus, be sure to travel together. step or lamp Therefore, there is no risk of your senior dog getting hurt by trying to jump into the car.
Add rest stops to your road trip to give your pup plenty of opportunities to relieve himself. As older pets age, they can’t hold their bladders as well as they used to, so allowing them to move around outside of the car can help avoid stiffness from sitting too long.
If you notice that your pet is suffering from potential anxiety during the holiday season or when there are changes in daily life, consult your veterinarian.
Many older pets take medications, special diets, or supplements on a regular basis, and the holidays can often be turbulent, so it’s easy to run out of these essentials midway through the holidays. Make sure you have stock in advance.
And while senior pets should be the toast of the holiday season, they may not tolerate change and companionship as easily as they used to. Be aware of who is interacting with older pets, especially young children, and be sure to monitor those interactions.
Above all, we offer them safe space For those who want to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle.
5. Update emergency veterinarian information
Veterinary hospitals across the country often update their business hours during the holidays, so make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
You want to avoid emergencies, but don’t forget to prepare in advance. If you don’t already have emergency or 24-hour veterinarian contact information in your area, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation or search online to find one near you.
You can also educate yourself and your family about common holiday toxins found this time of year, such as winter plants that are toxic to dogs and cats.
If your pet isn’t feeling well, or you’re not sure if your pet’s symptoms are alarming, check out our free Symptom Checker tool to determine your next steps.
moreover, Chewy’s Veterinarian Connection Telemedicine services allow you to chat with veterinary experts in real time when you need to reach a veterinarian right away.
If your dog or cat takes regular medications, such as flea and tick preventatives, heartworm preventives, or a special diet approved by your veterinarian, do so at least 1 to 2 weeks before your vacation begins. Be sure to replenish.
Even when you’re not traveling, it’s easy to forget these essentials. If you’re traveling, vaccination records in case you unexpectedly need to see another veterinarian or your vacation plans change and you need to find accommodations for your pet. Keep it handy.
This time of year is full of joy and merrymaking, and by making the proper preparations in advance of the season, you can ensure your pet is prepared for a relaxing and safe holiday.
