How To Have a Pet Friendly Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season

We sure do love our pets whether it's during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, or all year long. Unfortunately, sometimes we can love them to death. In out exuberance to make the holiday season just as special for our pets as we do for ourselves, we unknowingly do things that could harm our pets. Here are some suggestions for pet owners to help create a more pet friendly Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season this year, and every year.

What would the holiday season be without decorations? They would be a little more boring, and a lot less festive. However, some decorations can be harmful to pets. Shiny glass ornaments on a tree are an invitation for some pets to play. Dogs and cats alike love to grab those little shiny balls and bat them around. Unfortunately, if they break, then a pet may swallow glass, or get glass in their paws. So, if you feel you must have glass ornaments make sure you hang them higher up on the tree where pets are less likely to reach them. Better yet, make the sacrifice and buy or make unbreakable ornaments. Be careful with certain plants or flowers you may decorate with at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some can be poisonous. Check with a florist, poison control center, or get a book on poisonous plants. Both cats and dogs love munching on greenery.

Having a lot of dinner guests, or a party during the holidays can be unsettling for any type of pet. I know you love to show off your pets, but remember, a usually calm and collected cat or dog, can get quite nervous, and disoriented around a group of people they don't know, and are not exposed to on a regular basis. Put your pets in a cozy room away from your guests, and all the noise. This is best for the pets, and the guests. The last thing you need is a guest getting scratched or bitten because your pet was overwhelmed.

One of the most important pet friendly rules for the holiday season is about people food. Cats and dogs are not people. Their digestive systems are not the same as ours. Most people are somewhat aware of this, yet with their excitement over the holidays, they still have to give their pets food they should not be eating. Turkey bones is a big one regarding dogs. Unless you want the possibility of spending Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day in the pet emergency clinic I suggest you not give turkey bones to pets, especially dogs. Bones can break, splinter, and get caught in your pets throat. Pets were also not made for high amounts of sugar as well, so don't give candy to pets. Never give chocolate to dogs, it can be deadly. My veterinarian says that's a big no, no anytime of the year.

Last bit not least. Be very careful to clean up right after unwrapping gifts. I know, you just want to go and listen to that new CD, or watch that new DVD, but you love your pets and need to take care of them. Gift wrapping, ribbons, staples from boxes, and all types gift package decorations, can be dangerous to pets if they swallow them. So, make sure you clean up and remove any temptations for your pet to play or eat something that could be harmful to them.

We love our pets, and do need to have special considerations for them during the holidays. Just as you would take special precautions for a small child, so must you for a pet. Just like a small child who depends on us to keep them safe, so do our pets. So, make sure you make your best efforts to create a loving, and pet friendly Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season this year, and every year.