Holidays are a time of joy, celebration and quality time with family, friends, and our pets. It’s important to keep your pets safe during the holiday season, even if you are celebrating. You can make your pets feel safer and less stressed by taking proactive measures.
Understanding Pet Behavior:
Holidays can cause stress for pets due to changes in routine, noise and unfamiliar faces. It is important to recognize potential stress triggers in order to prevent escape attempts. This will also help you create a relaxed environment for your pet.
Secure Your Home:
Check Windows and Doors:
Check the latches on your windows and doors to ensure they are secure.
Make sure that the doors leading to the outside are secured and cannot be opened easily by pets.
Fence Inspection:
Check fences for any gaps, loose boards or damage that your pet could exploit.
Take preventive measures if your pet has a unique behavior, like digging.
Block Hide Spots
Find and block any hiding places created by furniture or holiday decorations.
When stressed, cats may prefer quiet corners, so make sure these areas are not accessible.
Manage Anxiety & Stress:
Create a safe space:
Designate an area where your pet can retreat during celebrations.
In their safe space, provide them with toys, bedding and fresh water.
Calming Products:
You can use calming products such as treats that are formulated to reduce stress and anxiety.
Consider using anxiety wraps to provide security during loud celebrations.
Soundproofing:
Use soundproofing materials like curtains to reduce loud noises in your pet’s space.
Remember that your pet’s senses are enhanced and that loud noises can be upsetting.
Maintaining Routine
Keep to the regular schedule:
Keep your pet on a regular schedule for feeding, walking and playing.
Routine consistency helps reduce stress and prevent impulsive escapes.
Reinforce Training Commands:
To ensure better control, reinforce basic commands such as “stay” and “come”.
The training environment is structured and helps to strengthen the bond between your pet and you.
Identification and Technology
Wear Collars with ID Tags:
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar that has an updated ID tag with your contact information.
If your pet escapes, it is important to identify them quickly.
Microchip Your Pet:
Consider microchipping for your pet as a way to permanently identify it with your personal details.
The chances of a pet being returned to its owner are significantly increased by microchips.
Tech Options
Consider using technology such as GPS collars and pet tracking apps to monitor your pets’ location in real time.
These tools add an extra layer of security to your pet’s safety and help you find it faster if they go missing.
Lost Pet Recovery Services
Register with Recovery Services
If your pet is lost, you can get immediate help by registering with Lost Pet Recovery Services.
For effective recovery, these services use database searches, community notifications, and posters.
Act Quickly
Post on social media and alert your neighbors immediately.
It is important to act quickly in order to locate your pet before it gets too far.
Prevention Tools
Secure Fencing:
Secure fencing is a great way to eliminate escape routes and restrict access.
Make sure that the fence you choose is appropriate for your pet’s size and behaviour.
Strong Collars & Leashes
For walks, choose collars and leashes that are sturdy and reliable to ensure your pet’s safety.
Check regularly for signs of wear and weakness on collars and leashes.
Pet-Friendly Containment:
Consider pet-friendly enclosures for outdoor activities such as portable enclosures or playpens.
These options offer a controlled and safe environment for your pet.
Emergency Preparedness:
Prepare an emergency kit:
Prepare an emergency kit by assembling essentials like pet food, medication, and first-aid supplies.
A prepared kit will ensure that you are ready to deal with any unexpected situation.
Recent Photo Identification
If your pet goes missing, keep a recent picture of them for identification.
Include any markings or characteristics that will help you recognize them.
Implementing these proactive measures will help you create a safe and secure environment for your pet over the holiday season, minimising stress and the possibility of an escape. Preparedness and proactive measures will help you enjoy the holidays with your pet.
Proactive tips for different pets:
Cats and their wellbeing:
Select Safe Decorations
Protect your Christmas tree.
Beware of hazardous plants
Protect against Human Foods
Manage Stress at Gatherings
Do you have a dog?
Monitor Human Food Access
Avoid toxic plants
Manage Wrapping Debris.
Secure Decorations
Create a Calm Environment During Gatherings.
Proactive tips for rabbits
Avoid Hazardous Plants.
Monitor Food Access
Create a Calm Environment During Gatherings.
Decorate Responsibly
Follow these tips to create a safe and fun environment for your pets. By putting your pet’s well-being first, you can ensure a stress-free and joyful holiday season for yourself and your pets. We at Hastings Veterinary Hospital wish you a happy and safe holiday season!
