The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and festivities, but it can also pose unique challenges for pet owners. From the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings to the tempting smells of special treats, pets can easily become overwhelmed or encounter hidden dangers. At Bay Area Pet Pals, we know how important it is to keep your furry family members safe and happy during this busy season. Whether you’re traveling, hosting guests, or simply navigating the holiday excitement, here are some key tips to ensure your pet’s safety.
Avoid Dangerous Holiday Foods
Holiday meals are often filled with delicious treats for humans, but many of those foods can be harmful to pets. Make sure your guests know not to feed your pets from the table and keep the following foods out of reach:
- Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate, can be toxic to both dogs and cats.
- Bones: Turkey or chicken bones can splinter and cause choking or digestive issues.
- Fatty Foods: High-fat foods like gravy, butter, and certain meats can lead to pancreatitis in pets.
- Onions and Garlic: Commonly found in stuffing, these ingredients are toxic to pets.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health problems for pets.
Tip: If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, consider keeping pets in a separate room with their favorite toys and some treats to avoid any accidental food consumption.
Pet-Proof Your Holiday Decorations
Bright, shiny, and sometimes edible—holiday decorations can be irresistible to curious pets. Take these precautions to make sure your décor is safe for your four-legged friends:
- Tinsel and Ribbon: While beautiful, tinsel and ribbon can cause intestinal blockages if ingested by cats or dogs. Opt for safer alternatives or place them out of reach.
- Christmas Tree: If you have a real tree, be sure the water reservoir doesn’t contain chemicals, which could be toxic to pets. Secure the tree so it can’t topple over, and avoid using glass ornaments that can shatter and injure pets.
- Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended. A wagging tail or curious paw could knock them over, leading to burns or fires.
- Electrical Cords: Keep cords hidden or taped down to avoid pets chewing on them and potentially getting electrocuted.
Tip: Consider decorating the lower portion of your tree with pet-friendly ornaments, such as plush or wooden ones, and keep breakable or dangerous items higher up.
Prepare for House Guests
If you’re expecting guests during the holidays, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your pets feel comfortable and safe around new people. Here’s how:
- Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet room or area where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by the commotion. Include their bed, favorite toys, and maybe even some calming treats.
- Inform Guests: Let your visitors know about any house rules regarding your pets, such as not feeding them human food or leaving doors open. If your pet is shy or reactive, give your guests a heads-up and suggest ways to interact calmly with your pet.
- Watch the Doors: With guests coming and going, doors will likely be opening frequently. Be mindful that your pets don’t sneak out! If you’re worried about escapes, keeping pets in a separate area of the house might be the safest option.
Tip: Bay Area Pet Pals offers in-home pet sitting services, perfect for pets who prefer a quiet environment while you host guests or go out for holiday gatherings. Our sitters can ensure your pet gets the attention and care they need while staying relaxed at home.
Keep Travel Stress-Free
If you’re traveling for the holidays, leaving your pet behind can be stressful—but traveling with them can bring its own challenges. Here’s how to manage both situations:
- If Traveling with Your Pet: Make sure to pack your pet’s essentials, including food, bowls, toys, and any medications they might need. Bring along their bed or blanket to provide comfort in an unfamiliar place. Ensure they’re secured in a crate or with a seatbelt harness for safety.
- If Leaving Your Pet at Home: Bay Area Pet Pals offers trusted, reliable holiday pet sitting services so you can enjoy your travels worry-free. Our experienced pet sitters will care for your pet in the comfort of your own home, providing meals, walks, playtime, and plenty of love.
Tip: If your pet tends to experience separation anxiety, try scheduling a meet-and-greet with one of our pet sitters before the holidays. This way, your pet will feel more comfortable when the time comes for you to travel.
Manage Holiday Stress for Your Pet
While the holiday season can be a fun time for people, it can also be stressful for pets. Changes in routine, new people, and unfamiliar sights and sounds can cause anxiety. Help your pet stay calm with these strategies:
- Stick to Their Routine: Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule to reduce anxiety.
- Provide Calming Aids: If your pet is prone to stress, consider using natural calming aids such as calming chews or pheromone sprays.
- Exercise and Play: Give your pet plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Tiring them out with a good walk or play session can reduce anxiety and help them relax.
Tip: Bay Area Pet Pals offers dog walking services during the holiday season* to ensure your pets get the exercise they need, even when you’re busy with holiday preparations. A tired pet is a calm pet!
Trust Bay Area Pet Pals for Safe and Stress-Free Holidays
At Bay Area Pet Pals, we understand how much you love your pets and want to keep them safe during the holiday season. Whether you’re traveling, hosting, or simply caught up in holiday festivities, our professional pet sitters and dog walkers are here to help. Let us provide peace of mind while you enjoy the holidays, knowing your pet is in the best hands.
Schedule your Holiday Pet Sitting or Dog Walking services in advance! Booking early helps prevent scheduling conflicts and ensures your pet receives the care they need during the busy holiday season.
*At Bay Area Pet Pals, we do not perform regular Dog Walking Visits on the following holidays:
- Christmas Eve Day through New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend (3 days)
- Presidents’ Day Weekend (3 days)
- Easter Weekend (2 days)
- Juneteenth, 4th of July
- Labor Day Weekend (3 days)
- and Thanksgiving Weekend (4 days)
However, in special situations, we may be able to accommodate a Holiday Dog Walk Visit with advanced scheduling and an additional fee. Please Contact Us to discuss your specific needs and we’ll do our best to assist you.
We’re here to make sure your pets are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for, no matter how busy the holiday season gets.
