Wow, November already, holidays will be here soon!  As you prepare for the holidays do not forget your four-legged friends.  Holidays are exciting and sometimes stressful for people and pets.  We spend long hours preparing for parties, family gatherings and wonderful meals.  We have less time to spend with our pets and they may spend more time at home alone.  This can lead to problems such as separation anxiety and destructive behavior.  Inquisitive puppies or kittens may play with and chew on plants and other household items that can be dangerous and even deadly to our four-footed friends.
 
We prepare Thanksgiving meals with rich foods that can cause digestive upsets for your dog or cat.  What we eat may not be okay for our pets.  Some herbs and seasonings we use to make our food tasty can cause digestive upsets for many pets and large quantities of some herbs can cause nervous system problems in cats.  Also, cooked poultry bones are brittle and can be dangerous to your pet’s intestinal tract.  Uncooked or undercooked meats may contain salmonella or other bacteria which can make your pet very sick.
 
One of our holiday favorites is the Christmas tree.  Have you looked at the tree from your cat or dog’s perspective?  Wow!  My family loves me so much they brought the tree inside just for me!  And we humans don’t understand their fascination?!  All those decorations, ornaments and tinsel are such an attraction for kitties and puppies.  They can also be very dangerous and even deadly to playful, curious pets.  Real trees must have “tree water” with chemicals that can be hazardous to thirsty pets.
 
Are you wondering how to get through these holidays without risking your pet or totally changing your holiday plans?  First, limit your pets’ access to holiday decorations.  Second, we strongly recommend training classes to help you learn how to train your puppy, no matter what their age, to behave properly with exciting and strange things going on around them.  Positive, motivational training can make a world of difference in how your dog responds to you and its environment.  Third, teach your pet to be separated from you in a safe, confined area; such as an exercise pen, crate or small room.  Provide your puppy or kitten with safe toys to occupy them during your absence and keep them entertained when you cannot entertain them. 
 
Consider boarding your pet during holidays and when you are having parties.  They will be safe, out from underfoot and away from hazardous foods and situations.  You will need to plan ahead and book boarding reservations early.  Take a tour of the boarding facility to decide what will be best for your pet and learn more about the facility.    Be sure to ask if they are a Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) member.
 
If you are traveling with your pet during the holidays, consider their safety and the stress that travel will have on them.  Pets traveling in a vehicle should be in a crate or restrained with a seatbelt harness for their safety.  Do not allow your pet in the front seat unless you can turn off the airbag for their seat.  Do not leave them in vehicles unattended.  Remember that the hotel or your family or friends’ home is not your pets’ home - keep them safely crated in a quiet room or next to you on leash.  Your pet may think it is great to chase and play with family members’ pets but fun can turn to disaster quickly, so do not leave them unattended.  Changes in routine, food and water as well as the travel itself can be very stressful to your pet even if their tail is wagging.  Prepare in advance for the trip by packing for your pet.  Take their food, medications, including something for stress-related problems such as diarrhea or vomiting, vaccination records and anything else your pet may need for a good holiday trip.
 
To learn more about harmful plants and items go to www.robcary.com  or visit us at:
 
Rob Cary Pet Resort
14824 Bulverde Rd.
SA TX  78247
(210) 494-7787
 
We wish you and your pets a wonderful holiday season!