How to Keep Your Furry Family Safe and Healthy During the Holidays

Most pet parents see something like this every year – but to me, it’s such an important reminder that is bears repeating. There is SO much going on during the holiday; like extra (and rich!) food laying around, more people in and out of your home, travel, festive decorations, etc. Its important to remember how these things affect your pets. Hopefully a few of these tips and reminders will be helpful for you and your (furry) family during this season!

Food: This should come as no surprise! Below is a list for cats and dogs regarding the most common holiday-related toxic or harmful foods. Be especially mindful of your guests as well and make clear boundaries regarding what foods they can/cannot give to your pets. Better yet: have low-cal treats readily available and visible for guests to provide so they aren’t tempted to slip them a table scrap.

· Onions/scallions

· Garlic

· Seasoned or overly fatty meat

· Fatty foods (butter, dairy, etc)

· Alcohol

· Chocolate

· Anything sweet/sugary

· Mashed potato and sweet potato dishes prepared with butter, sugar, etc

· Bones

· Raisins

· Grapes

· Uncooked bread dough

· Pumpkin dishes containing spices like nutmeg

· Nuts

· Holiday plants like lilies and poinsettias

Ok, but what CAN they have? A small amount of cooked, unseasoned turkey or chicken is a great treat. Also think of setting aside a few raw ingredients while you prep: green beans, cooked sweet potatoes (before adding any sugar or butter!), plain pumpkin can make healthy treats you or your guests can give throughout the day.

Decorations: I cannot say this enough (I speak from experience here 😂) – Secure. Your. Tree. Cats love to climb them, dogs can easily barrel into them. Make sure any decorations or ornaments at “pet access level” do not pose a chewing/choking hazard. If possible try to avoid any tinsel or ribbon as it can be swallowed. Do you know your dog is a chewing machine? Maybe take it easy on the decorations this year. I know a dog who ate almost EVERY decoration in the house while his dad was away. Somehow he was fine, but most people/dogs would not be that lucky.

Routine and Stress Reduction: Pets thrive on consistency. Try to keep their walk, play, food, etc schedules as close to normal as possible. Hiring a pet sitter? Look for a sitter who is committed to keeping their schedule to as close to normal as possible to reduce their stress of you being away. Having a large gathering at your place? Think about hiring a walker during the event to get your pet out of the house and have some quiet exercise time. Creating a safe and cozy space for your pet when guests are over can help too.

Keep Up with Health and Exercise: Even if you are being reallllly good about not providing too many table scraps during holiday meals, inevitably (just like us!) the season provides additional treats and reasons to splurge, which can affect your pet’s health. Keeping up with playtime indoors and taking extra long walks when the weather is nice can help your pet (and you!) get more exercise. When outdoor time has to be limited make sure you have a good stock of toys and puzzles to keep your dogs and cats happy and entertained.

Traveling or Hosting? Plan ahead! If you are traveling with your pet make sure your Airbnb or in-law’s place has a safe place for pet to be, and make sure to “pet proof” their space once you arrive. Need a pet sitter? Book soon! Most pet sitters (including Mint Leash Club) book about 1-2 months out, sometimes even move over those holiday times.

The holidays are about family, so make sure your furry family feels safe, secured, and included as well! Again, we highly encourage you to think ahead about your pet’s care – if they need sitting, walks, or other services the sooner you book the better. Contact Mint Leash Club to get any dates you need secured! And follow our Instagram page @mintleashclub for festive posts and more seasonal tips!