Hola hola! As we head into the holidays, many of us are getting ready for cozy gatherings, good food and plenty of time with the pets we love. It is a beautiful time of year, but it can also bring some unexpected risks for our four-legged kiddos. In this month’s column, I want to help you enjoy the season while keeping your pets safe and healthy from start to finish. Let’s dive in!
I am not a fan of cold weather at all because I was raised with the Puerto Rican weather, but we know many people love the cold days! We do have to keep in mind that colder weather can be tough on dogs and cats, especially the little ones or the seniors. Try to keep outdoor time short when it gets very cold. Watch for shivering and always supervise if the temperature drops.
Whenever we are expecting icy conditions, if you walk your dog in areas where sidewalks are saltedm wipe their paws when you get home. This helps avoid irritation and keeps them from licking anything harmful. And yes, dog shoes are an option if your pup will tolerate them.
Plus, they look cute!
Holiday decorating is part of the fun, but pets do not always understand what is safe and what is not. Keep breakable ornaments higher up. Secure your tree and avoid letting pets play with ribbon or tinsel.
Be careful with plants too, as some popular holiday plants can be toxic to dogs and cats if they chew on them. Also make sure any electrical cords are hidden or covered so curious pets (including puppies and kittens) do not try to chew on them.
Food is one of the highlights of the season (at least for me, LOL!). Unfortunately, many of our traditional holiday dishes can upset a pet’s stomach and some can even be dangerous. A single bite of the wrong thing can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis and/or other serious problems.
Pets are often fast when something drops on the floor, especially during parties when everyone is distracted. The safest plan is to make sure guests know not to feed table scraps and to keep pets away from food areas when possible. Also keep in mind that people may become less careful when alcohol is involved and accidentally leave food unattended, sometimes within reach of our pets. If you want to offer your dog a treat, stick to healthy options like carrots, apple slices, cucumbers or green beans. Avoid anything fatty or heavily seasoned, please.
Giving gifts is part of the joy of Christmas morning or holiday season for many of us, but not every toy is a good fit for pets. Hard bones and very tough toys can break a dog’s teeth. If you cannot press your fingernail into a toy, choose a different one.
For dogs that destroy stuffed toys, pick something more durable so they do not swallow any filling. For cats, stay away from toys with strings or pieces that can be swallowed. Safer choices include catnip toys, crinkle balls or interactive toys that keep them busy without putting them at risk.
And, if you keep gifts under the tree, remember that some pets love opening presents early, LOL. Keep a close eye on any boxes that smell too interesting.
Bringing home a puppy or kitten for Christmas or the holiday season sounds magical. But a new pet is a longterm commitment. If, as a family, you have determined that you are ready for such a big responsibility, I always suggest adopting — but only if your family has already talked it through and is truly ready. Senior pets or animals with special needs often get overlooked and can make wonderful companions, so keep that in mind!
When the holiday season wraps up, we move straight into New Year’s Eve (Yes, the end of the year is around the corner!). Fireworks may be fun for us, but many pets get very scared.
Try setting your pets up in a quiet room away from windows and outside noise. A white noise machine or soft music can help. If your pet already struggles with anxiety, speak with your veterinarian ahead of time about ways to help keep them calm.
As we wrap up another year, I hope you and your pets stay safe, warm and loved. The holiday season gives us a chance to pause, look back and look forward. Remember to be gentle with yourself and patient with others because everyone is carrying something we may not see.
Being kind is very easy!
Thank you for reading my column and for supporting this wonderful community. Thank you, Dallas Voice for everything you have done and will continue to do. I wish you and your furry babies an amazing holiday season and a beautiful start to the new year. ¡Feliz Navidad y un abrazo grande para todos y todas!
Dr. Josh owns Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital, 14380 Marsh Lane, Ste. 110 in Addition. Call him at 972-738-1111 or visit IslaVet.com.