Studies have shown that spending holidays with pets can provide numerous mental and emotional health benefits. Pets are known to reduce stress levels, improve moods, and provide a sense of companionship. If you are looking for ways to enjoy the holiday season and am attentive doggy daycare in Sydney NSW is not an option for you, consider these ideas. Pets offer us unconditional love, something that is especially important during the hectic holiday season. Whether you choose to stay home or take a trip to a pet-friendly destination, your pet will be happy to celebrate the holidays with you.
Pets can feel left out when their family is busy
Unfortunately, pets can feel left out when their family members are busy with holiday preparations and do not have enough time to take care of their furry friend. The best way for pet owners to avoid neglecting their pets during the holiday season is by preparing ahead.
“Make sure you have an ample supply of food, toys and treats in advance,” said Dr. Shayla Josephs, veterinarian at Animal Emergency & Referral Associates of Chester County. “Also, make a list of all the important information you will need in case of an emergency and keep it somewhere that’s easily accessible.”
It is also a good idea to familiarize your pet with the veterinarian before the holiday season begins. This could help avoid overwhelming your furry friend if he or she has to go to the animal hospital during such a busy time.
If your dog or cat is especially active, it may be best to avoid letting them out of the house for too long while you are running errands and shopping. Your pet could easily get away from you and end up lost or in danger. Lets love pets Even if your animal loves other dogs and cats, there may be large crowds in malls during the holidays. The best way for you to avoid overwhelming your pet is by having alternate activities ready for them when YOU are busy with holiday preparations. This way, they can have some fun too while they are alone
Pets may become anxious or destructive if left alone
Pets are often left alone during the day for longer periods of time, so it is important to keep them entertain. The Pets may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. Pets have feelings just like humans do and being left alone for too long can cause them stress. They also need exercise just like humans do, so a day of inactivity may cause them to become lazy and overweight. Pets may also develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.
If you are going to be gone for longer periods of time, it might be a good idea to hire pet sitters or have your pets stay at a kennel. If you are unable to find help with your pets, try leaving music on for them to keep them company.
Ways to include your pets in holiday celebrations
Christmas is a time of the year when we spend a lot of quality time with our family. But there are some people who want to include their pets in this holiday as well. So, if you want to make your pet feel part of your family at this special time you can go for the following ideas:
- Pet Christmas cards
- Christmas stockings with pet food
- Holiday bandanas for your pets
- Pet holiday collars and leashes
- Christmas pictures of you and your family with your pet
- Christmas ornaments for your tree featuring photos of you and your pet(s) and possibly even some hand
Decorations can be dangerous for pets
According to HSUS veterinary professionals, common holiday decorations can pose a danger to pets because many are cover in toxic chemicals. The artificial trees, wreaths and garland that are common during the holiday season may contain lead, formaldehyde and other chemicals that can be fatal to pets. In addition, live plants including mistletoe and poinsettias are also dangerous.
Mistletoe is not only toxic to cats but can cause seizures or even death in dogs. Poinsettia ingestion has been link to gastrointestinal problems in pets with some cases requiring hospitalization.
“We also see a number of electrical burns from pets chewing on an outlet or crawling across the cord.”
Food can be harmful to pets if not given in moderation
Dog obesity is one of the most common canine health problems, with over half of U.S. dogs. Being overweight or obese by pet owners’ estimates. Overweight pets are at higher risk for developing medical conditions such as osteoarthritis. Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, kidney disease and some types of cancer. Owners may not realize that obesity can cause arthritis. The pain associated with it may make a dog less active, leading the owner to think the pet is content being sedentary. Obesity also increases stress on joints and exacerbates other medical problems.
