How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Festive Period

December 27, 2024

The festive season is a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. For many of us, it’s a period to celebrate with friends, family, and of course, our beloved pets. However, amidst the fun, it’s important to remember that the holidays can bring uncomfortable situations to our pets. Like the fireworks and the tempting festival season foods can leave your pets feeling stressed or even in danger.

You have probably seen or heard about a dog trembling under the dining table while fireworks, or your cat knocking over the Christmas tree, leading to debris and mess on the floor. While these moments might sound silly and look amusing at first, these are certain situations to understand how easily pets can be overwhelmed by holiday chaos.

Watching out for your pets’ environment is very important during the festive season. You might think, there’s no danger there. But, what if a playful pet such as a Labrador got excited and chewed a shiny bow from a gift box one Christmas morning, only to end up at the vet for an emergency visit?

So, to better equip ourselves, let us learn to equip ourselves with proactive tips to keep your pets safe, calm, and comfortable during the festive period.

Common Holiday Hazards for Pets

Loud Noises and Fireworks

For pets, especially dogs, the sudden bursts of fireworks and loud celebratory noises can be a source of fear and anxiety, often referred to as noise aversion. The unpredictable bangs and flashes can be incredibly stressful, leading to behaviours like trembling, hiding, or even attempting to escape. Cats, rabbits, and other smaller pets are equally sensitive and may show signs of distress in response to the chaos of festive celebrations.

To help your pets stay calm, keep them safely indoors during times when fireworks are expected. Create a cosy, quiet space where they feel secure, and close all windows, curtains, and blinds to muffle the sounds and block out flashes of light.

You might also find that pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps can work wonders in soothing their nerves. These tools mimic natural calming signals, helping to reduce stress levels in dogs effectively.

Holiday Foods and Treats

The festive season is full of delicious food, but not all of it is safe for your pets. While you’re indulging in your favourite Christmas and New Year treats, it’s important to remember that certain foods can be harmful or even toxic to animals.

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and fatty foods are common holiday hazards, and even foods that seem harmless, like turkey bones, can cause serious problems. These bones can splinter, leading to choking or digestive issues.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe?

Keep food out of reach: Pets can be curious, so ensure that festive foods are stored securely out of their reach. Whether it’s on the dinner table or in the kitchen, make sure they can’t access any dangerous treats.
Inform your guests: Well-meaning visitors might want to share their food with your pet, but remind them not to give them table scraps. Even small amounts of harmful foods can cause serious health issues.
Have emergency contacts handy – Accidents can happen, so always keep a list of emergency veterinary contacts nearby in case your pet ingests something harmful.

Toxic Holiday Plants

Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are some common Christmas decorations that bring festive charm to your home. However, they can also pose serious risks to pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhoea, or even more severe reactions depending on the quantity consumed and the type of plant.

To prevent any mishaps, keep these decorative plants well out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives. Be especially mindful of fallen leaves or berries, as these can be just as harmful as the plants themselves. Staying vigilant can make all the difference in avoiding a trip to the vet.

Decorations and Gifts

Christmas decorations are beautiful but can also be incredibly tempting for curious pets. Tinsels, fairy lights, and baubles often attract playful paws but can result in choking, blockages, or injuries if chewed or swallowed. Ribbons and wrapping materials can also become dangerous playthings, leading to similar risks.

To protect your pets, anchor your Christmas tree securely so it doesn’t topple over if climbed or bumped into.
Choose shatterproof decorations and avoid tinsel altogether, as it’s particularly hazardous if ingested.
Once gifts have been opened, promptly clear away any wrapping paper, ribbons, or small fragments to prevent any unwanted accidents.

Strategies to Keep Your Dog Calm During New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve often comes with its challenges, primarily because of the widespread use of fireworks. Here’s how you can help your dog remain calm and stress-free as the celebrations unfold.

Pre-event Exercise

Before the evening festivities begin, ensure your dog has had plenty of physical activity. A long walk or an energetic play session will help tire them out, making them more likely to rest during the evening.

Create a Safe Space

Designate a quiet area in your home as your pet’s ‘safe zone.’ This could be a familiar room where they feel comfortable, away from the commotion. Add comforting items like their favourite blanket, toys, or a piece of your clothing to help them feel secure.

If your dog is crate-trained, their crate can serve as a cosy retreat. Cover it with a blanket to make it darker and reduce external noise.

Sound Management

Distracting your pet from the outside noise can make a huge difference. Turn on calming music, white noise, or a television show to help mask the sound of fireworks. There are even playlists and apps designed specifically to soothe pets during stressful situations.

Preventing Accidents and Escapes

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season, coupled with fireworks and parties, can sometimes lead to accidents or pets trying to escape. Here’s how to avoid such mishaps:

Proper Identification

The unexpected can happen, and a scared pet might run off during a loud celebration. Ensuring your pet has up-to-date identification is essential.

ID Tags: Make sure your pet wears a collar with a tag displaying your current contact details.
Microchipping: Check that your pet’s microchip information is accurate. If they aren’t microchipped yet, now’s the perfect time to get it done.

Supervision and Containment

It’s best to keep pets supervised during the holidays, especially if there are visitors or fireworks nearby. It’s advisable to make sure to Never leave your pet unsupervised outside during festivities or fireworks.

Furthermore, it’s safe to ensure your garden is escape-proof and close gates or doors to prevent curious pets from wandering off.

Leashing During Walks

If you’re heading out for a walk, particularly on days when fireworks are expected, always keep your pet on a lead. Even the calmest pets can become spooked by sudden loud noises and may bolt.

Managing Pet Anxiety During the Holidays

The loud sounds and bright lights of celebrations can be overwhelming for pets. Managing their anxiety is key to keeping them comfortable.

Seeking Veterinary Advice

For pets with severe anxiety, it’s worth speaking to your vet about options such as anti-anxiety medication or natural remedies. Your vet can offer tailored advice to ensure your pet stays calm during the festive period.

What to Do If Your Pet Gets Overwhelmed

Even the most well-behaved pet can get overwhelmed during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Recognising signs of stress early can help you take action before things get out of hand.

Signs of Stress

Pets can’t exactly tell us when they’re feeling anxious, but there are telltale signs that can help us spot stress early. Look out for:

Excessive Barking or Meowing: Your dog or cat may vocalise more than usual if they’re feeling anxious.
Hiding: Pets may retreat to quiet corners of the house or even under furniture.
Drooling or Panting: Unusual drooling, panting, or licking can indicate stress.
Pacing or Restlessness: Constant movement or inability to settle down can also be a sign of anxiety.

Steps to Take

If your pet is showing signs of stress, there are a few things you can do to help them calm down:

Soothing Techniques: Offer comfort by gently stroking your pet, speaking in a calm voice, or offering a favourite toy.
Hydration: Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times, as stress can sometimes lead to dehydration.
Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area for your pet to retreat to, away from loud noises or crowds.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a pet’s anxiety can persist or worsen. If you notice that your pet’s stress isn’t improving or if their behaviour becomes more extreme, it’s a good idea to consult a vet or pet behaviourist. They can offer professional advice and may recommend calming treatments or strategies to help your pet cope better during the holidays.

How Can We Help?

The holidays should be a time of joy for everyone, including your pets. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and stress-free festive season.

If you’re worried about leaving your pet at home during the festive period, why not consider Hunters Lodge for professional doggy daycare services? Our spacious, well-maintained facilities offer a safe, calm environment for your pet to relax while you enjoy the festivities. With plenty of play areas and comfort, your pet will be in good hands.

We also offer luxury dog kennel accommodation, which comes complete with underfloor heating to ensure your dog stays warm and cosy during the colder months. Our kennels are designed with your pet’s comfort in mind, and we provide extra attention to make sure they feel right at home.

In addition, our cattery services provide a peaceful retreat for your feline friends, where they can stay safe and comfortable while you’re busy with your holiday plans.

Want to see our facilities for yourself? Explore our gallery to view our spacious daycare accommodation, kennels, and play areas. And if you have any questions or queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we’re always happy to help!