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Holiday Parties and Furry Friends

Dec 15, 2015 | Cats, Dogs, Pet Care, Pet Safety, Pet Tips

I think many people would agree in saying that the holidays are the busiest time of the year, especially when it comes to social events. Whether it’s dinner with family, a get together with friends, or a neighbourhood potluck, it can feel like you have something planned every weekend for months! With great food, music, and company, holiday parties can be a blast, but for your furry friends they can be a bit overwhelming. That is why it’s important that you keep in mind these tips for keeping your pet safe and relaxed during holiday parties.

 

AVOID SLIPPING OUT

With guests arriving and leaving at different times, there are plenty of opportunities for your pet to slip out the door. To avoid an unexpected escape, keep your pet away from the door. Any easy way to do this is by keeping them in a different room or with you on a leash while people arrive or leave.

 

NO SHARING FOOD

No holiday party is complete without a delicious assortment of food and drinks, but make sure your guests know it is strictly for humans. Many human foods that used in everyday cooking can be toxic to pets, such as onion, garlic, and chocolate. Even if the food is not toxic to your pet, human food can cause digestion issues and lead to unhealthy weight gain.

 

CREATE SAFE HAVEN

Just because you may love being the center of attention doesn’t mean that you pet does as well! If your pet will be joining the party, make sure that it has a safe haven where it can go to escape if it feels overwhelmed. This haven should include fresh water, toys, and a comfortable place to rest.

 

DON’T LEAVE DISHES OUT

If your party will be serving food buffet-style, make sure that it is supervised or put away when your pet is around so they are not tempted to eat it. The same goes for any plates with food scraps on them. Have a dedicated person collecting empty plates or ask your guests to put them in the garbage when they are done.

 

KEEP GARBAGE OUT OF REACH

Both during the party and the cleanup, keep the garbage bins out of reach from your pets. You’ve done such a good job keeping your pet away from the human food on the plates and plates, you don’t want them getting to it in the garbage! The easiest way to do this is by using a garbage bin with a lid or keeping it inside a cupboard your pet won’t be able to open.

Keeping these five tips in mind before your next holiday party will ensure that both four and two legged guests have a blast. If you have any questions about making your pet comfortable during holiday parties, give us a call. Our team is here to answer any of your questions!

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