The holiday season can be a fun and hectic time for the whole family, and just like young children, your pets will feel the effects of all the excitement. Cooking, shopping, visiting relatives, and traveling will disrupt your pets’ comfortable routine. He will need to have his place, whether it be a cage or a secluded room, where he can feel safe and secure. Remember, not all of your guests will like dogs and your dog may not like all of your guests! If your dog is going to be able to mingle with family and friends, ask them not to give him treats. Rich, spicy food, chocolate and fatty foods can cause gastric discomfort.
All the pretty knick-knacks and decorations can be very tempting for your dog, whether it’s playing, chewing or eating. Keep vegetables and live plants off the ground and out of reach. It may be a good idea to tie down the tree so it doesn’t tip over. One year we had a 13 foot tall tree and while we were outside our lab tore it down…what a mess! Use unbreakable decorations on the lower branches of your tree and avoid using tinsel or garlands where your dog can reach them. Of course, the best solution is to train your dog to stay away from the tree, but it can be too tempting for even the most angelic of dogs.
If you have kids who open gifts with lots of pieces, make sure they keep all the pieces together and off the floor. There are a lot of toys or even socks and gloves that your dog can ingest. The last thing you want to do on your vacation is go to the emergency vet. Another potential danger is your dog escaping through the door when guests arrive or leave. Be aware if your pup is likely to run away and keep him safe.
If you’re traveling with your furry best friend, make arrangements well in advance. Have a copy of your dog’s vaccination record and make sure your dog is on a collar with a tag with your dog’s name and phone number on it. Bring his bed or blanket and his favorite toys. The best way for your dog to travel in the car is in a harness or in his cage. He should have his crate with you so he can sleep there or just hang out there if he needs some quiet time. If you’re not staying with family, there are now many pet-friendly hotel chains. Look online and call ahead for details. Do not plan to sedate or medicate your dog for travel unless your veterinarian recommends it.
Traveling by plane with your pet has become easier, especially if you have a small dog that can travel in the cabin under your seat. Again, check with the airline for their rules and restrictions. Remember that no one wants to hear their dog bark all the way to Grandma’s house. If your dog needs to fly cargo, your flight plan will need to be made based on the airlines’ live cargo restrictions. Call ahead or search online for airline information on how to transport your pet in cargo. We have sent puppies to different parts of the country and have never had any problems. The airline we use is extremely capable and well organized and takes very good care of the puppies. Size restrictions in the box, as well as temperature restrictions, can affect your flight plans.
With a little extra care and planning ahead, your holiday season can be safe and enjoyable for the whole family, including four-legged members.