The holiday season is an exciting time of celebration, friends, family and food. While we look forward to the festive traditions that make this time of year so unique, it’s important to remember our furry friends. The holiday season can bring challenges for pets, but with a bit of preparation, we can ensure that our pets feel safe and included during this magical time.

We’ve got some simple tips to help you and your pets enjoy a fantastic year-end!

Pet proofing your decorations

Trees, tinsel, and tassels—all the hallmarks of a great Christmas time. These festive decorations can be tempting but are unsafe for our pets.

When decorating your house or Christmas tree, make sure that objects are secure and not easily accessed by pets. It’s not unheard of for an excited dog to eat Christmas lights or ornaments. Be extra careful with any decorations that could pose a risk, especially anything edible. Treats like chocolate and candy cane decorations should be kept far away or avoided completely- in some cases, Chocolate can be fatal to dogs if eaten. Glass and breakable ornaments should be used with caution, placed up high and securely attached, as playful animals are sure to see these as a new fun game.

If you enjoy plants and flowers as part of your holiday decor, ensuring they are pet-friendly is crucial. Real Christmas trees smell fantastic, but sweep up any dropped pine needles, as these can cause many digestive issues in dogs. Poinsettia plants and lilies, commonly gifted around Christmas time, are toxic to cats. Like any time of the year, ensure that your plants or flowers are safe for pets. Please follow these links for more information on cat-safe and dog-safe plants.

 

Holiday treats to keep away from pets

The holiday season is full of delicious and delightful food for people, yet many of these treats are unsafe for pets. These common Christmas foods that should be kept away from your pets:

• Cooked bones
• Currants, grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Fatty and salty foods
• Cinnamon
• Xylitol
• Onion

Keeping these tasty goodies out of reach will help your pets stay safe and healthy during the celebrations!

 

Help your pets beat the heat

As summer descends upon Melbourne, the temperatures really begin to heat up.  Keeping a watchful eye on our animals is even more critical when the weather warms up.

Ensure your pet always has clean, fresh water that it can easily access and that the water is kept in the shade.

On hot sunny days, walk your dog in the early morning or at night once the pavement has cooled down. You can use the back of your hand to test how hot the surface is. If it is too hot for you to hold your hand on for 5 seconds, it is also too hot for your pet. Walking your pet on a hot road or pavement may result in painful burns to their sensitive paws.

On hot days, it is ideal to bring your pet inside. If they are outside, remember that the sun moves throughout the day, so they will need plenty of shady spots to stay cool. Exotic pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and birds are particularly susceptible to heat, so bring these animals indoors on hot days. If this is not possible, freeze a bottle of water, wrap it in a towel and put it in the hutch/cage in the morning. Also, check that their hutch/cages is out of direct sunlight.

Just like us, our pets can suffer from sunburn and skin cancer, especially pink noses. Pet sunscreens are available to protect those noses and any other pink-exposed skin. If you have questions about your pet’s risk, please contact your vet.

Frozen treats are a great way to help your dog keep cool. Mix some water and kibble together in a container and freeze it. Just make sure you remove it from the container before giving it to your dog.

Read our blog for more details on keeping your pet safe during hot weather.

 

Creating a safe space for your pets

With so many parties and celebrations, it’s easy to forget that what might be fun for us can become overwhelming for our pets.

Loud noises, lots of visitors, and new environments can sometimes heighten their anxiety.

However, there are some easy ways to help your pet enjoy the holiday season just as much as you do.

Make sure your yard is secure. As much as your dog may be accustomed to our home, the excitement of a party or the noise from fireworks can frighten them, leading to attempts to escape. Ensuring the yard is pet-proof will keep your beloved companion safe and contained.

Set up a calm, quiet, and cosy space for your pet to retreat to. This could have your pet’s bed, favourite toys, and something that smells like you to help them feel safe. Make sure it is easy for them to access at all times. This little haven will give them a place to relax whenever they feel a bit overwhelmed.

When it comes to fireworks, please remember to bring your dog indoors! While fireworks are a visual treat for us, they can be frightening for pets. Keeping them inside can help ease their stress and keep them safe from potential escapes out of fear.

Boost your pet’s health

The end of the year is a fantastic time to think about your pet’s health and well-being! Scheduling their annual vaccine booster is especially important if you plan for them to stay at a kennel or cattery during the holidays. By planning ahead and booking early, you can make sure your beloved furry friend is healthy and ready for festive fun without any worries.

 

Please book online or call our friendly team on 03 9328 3021 to schedule an appointment for your pet. We’re here to help keep your pets safe this holiday season.