Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Keep the Festivities Furry-Friendly!

The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and way too many treats (for humans AND pets, right?). But while you're enjoying the festive season, don't forget to keep your furry friends safe and stress-free. Here are some holistic holiday pet safety tips that will have your pets feeling zen amid the chaos:

1. Create a Pet Sanctuary:

Holidays can be a sensory overload for pets - think loud noises, unfamiliar faces, and all the festive hustle and bustle. Set up a quiet, cozy retreat where your pet can escape the madness. And no, it's not just a cat's favourite spot under the tree. Consider using calming aids like herbal sprays, pure essential oils (like lavender or vetiver), or flower essences to help them feel at ease. Need guidance on the best options? Call in an animal naturopath or holistic vet to ensure you're using remedies that are safe for your pet.

2. Holiday Treats...for Pets (The Healthy Way):

While you're indulging in gingerbread cookies and leftover Christmas pud, your pet might be eyeing your snacks with that “I’m starving!” look. While we know you're tempted to share, holiday treats for pets don’t have to involve a calorie overload or the dreaded stomach ache. Homemade pet treats with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and oats are great alternatives. Or why not try some of the all-natural treats from Frontier Pets? But—listen up!—keep those toxic holiday foods away from your furry friends! Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and anything with alcohol or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) are off-limits. You don't want to be spending your holiday at the emergency vet, trust me.

3. Watch the Decorations, Not Just the Presents:

Still, got your Christmas tree up? All those shiny decorations can be super tempting to your pet, but we all know how quickly a tree ornament can turn into an impromptu chew toy. Keep decorations out of reach, and if you’re using tinsel or glitter, make sure it’s not the kind that could be a choking hazard. Bonus points if you’ve used pet-safe lights - no one wants their cat doing the holiday equivalent of "lighting up the town" with a little too much enthusiasm!

4. Essential Oils and Scented Candles (But Be Careful!):

A house that smells like fresh pine, cinnamon, and clove is the holiday dream… for humans. But for pets, strong scents can be overwhelming. If you're diffusing oils or lighting candles, be sure to keep your pet in mind. Some essential oils, like peppermint or tea tree, can be a bit too strong, and in some instances unsafe, for your fur friends. Stick to pet-safe oils, and always consult with a holistic animal practitioner to find the best and safest calming blends.

5. Stress Less with Herbal Help:

If your pet is feeling frazzled (because who isn’t after a long day of holiday chaos?), it might be time to call in the big guns. Consider herbal remedies that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as valerian root, passionflower, or ashwagandha. You can also try a flower essence blend for emotional balance - like the ones I offer at Three Rays Animal Apothecary - think of it as the spa treatment your pet didn’t know they needed. A natural approach might be just the stress reliever your pet is craving.

6. Safety First Around the Tree and Presents:

Holidays are full of fun, but let’s not forget the basics. Keep electric cords out of reach, and ensure your tree is well-secured (we've all seen that disastrous holiday moment when the cat decides the tree looks like a new jungle gym - this literally happened to me the other day). If you're setting up a pet-friendly Christmas tree, consider non-breakable ornaments and a sturdy stand that can withstand the occasional enthusiastic tail wag or paw grab.

7. Keep the Holiday Chaos to a Minimum:

Finally, if your pet has a tendency to get overwhelmed by holiday visitors or loud noises, it’s okay to give them some quiet time (and I recommend that you do). Just like we sometimes need a break from the family holiday Christmas sing-alongs (yes, aunty Ada, we hear you), your pet might need their own sanctuary. A comfortable bed in a peaceful spot, with a soft music playlist to drown out the noise, can go a long way. Maybe even throw in some flower essences or a calming herbal remedy for an extra dose of relaxation. Trust me, your pet will thank you for it!