Keeping your pets safe and healthy is a year-round activity, but during the holidays, they might need a little more TLC. Vacations, guests, and new and exciting foods can make caring for a pet a little stressful. These tips will help you keep your pet safe during the holidays.
Holiday Travel: Is Your Pet Going with You?
Deciding to take your pet with you on a holiday trip is a big decision. Will you bring them with you, or leave them at home? The right choice depends on your pet’s health, how comfortable you feel traveling with your pet, and your budget.
When Your Pet Is Staying at Home
- Make a pet care cheat sheet. It should include information about your pets, their medications with doses, their veterinarian contact information, how much they eat, their typical schedule, and any quirks they may have. If your pet sitter is coming to your home, leave it in an obvious place along with your pet first aid kit. If you are boarding your pet, bring a copy when you drop them off.
- Check-in with your pet sitter a few days before you leave. Make sure they have your contact information and all the information they need to care for your pet.
- Ensure you have a backup plan. This can be a friend, neighbor, or family member you can call if something happens and your pet needs to be picked up or the sitter cannot make it to your home.
When Your Pet Is Traveling with You
- Have your documentation in order. Typically if you are flying with a pet, you will need clearance from a veterinarian and proof of rabies vaccination. The type of paperwork you need to fly with your pet will depend on the airline, so be sure to check their regulations to make sure you have everything in order. If you are driving you want to make sure you have vaccination records just in case something happens.
- Carry food and water. Even if your trip is short, carrying food and water is a must. Delays happen, and you don’t want to be stuck with a hungry and thirsty pet.
- If your pet has health problems or experiences anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not it’s appropriate for them to travel. Pets who get anxious when traveling or being cared for by another person might need medication or CBD supplements to get through the holidays.
Keeping Pets and Guests Safe at Home
- Make a safe space available for your pet, just in case they need to retreat for a while. Giving your pets a space that stays their own no matter who is in your home can help make the situation less stressful for them. Their own space can be a crate, cat tree, or even a whole room with a keep-out sign.
- Make sure your guests understand the house rules. For example, “close the door promptly so my cat can’t escape!” Or, “do not give my dog any food scraps.”
- Your pets’ welfare is your responsibility. When you have guests, it is important to keep an eye on your pets to make sure they are being well treated by your guests. This is especially important if there are young children visiting.
Holiday Food Can Be Harmful to Pets
Our pets are not typically able to digest many of the foods we eat, and some are even toxic. Many holiday treats, like chocolate, can be deadly for our pets. Eating too much “human food” can also cause gastrointestinal upset, contribute to clogged arteries, and even cause intestinal blockages. Having a flat rule of “no table scraps” this holiday season might just save your pet’s life.
The EVAH Veterinarians Are Here for You All Year Long
Having a veterinarian you trust is a very important part of caring for your pet. Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we offer preventive and emergency care whenever you need it the most. Our team of experienced veterinarians can help your pet live a long and happy life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll help you keep your pet healthy for many holidays to come.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/31/24). Photo by Kit (formerly ConvertKit) on Unsplash