The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and family gatherings, but it can also come with its own set of challenges for pet owners. To ensure your furry friends are safe, comfortable, and happy during this festive time, we’ve compiled essential tips on traveling, boarding, and keeping pets safe during Thanksgiving festivities.
Traveling with Your Pet
Plan Ahead
Before you hit the road, do your research. Make sure to find pet-friendly accommodations and plan your travel routes in advance. According to the American Pet Products Association, 67% of U.S. households own a pet, making it crucial to ensure that your destinations welcome them.
If you can’t find suitable pet-friendly accommodations, consider home-based boarding options. Here’s how to find the right dog boarder:
- Seek Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your veterinarian for referrals to reputable and trustworthy dog boarders.
- Research Local Services: Look for local pet boarding services that are licensed and bonded. This can often be verified through state licensing boards or pet care associations in your area.
- Check Reviews and Testimonials: Visit websites and social media pages to read reviews from other pet owners. A good track record of satisfied clients is a strong indicator of reliability.
- Interview Potential Boarders: Speak directly with prospective boarders about their experience, care practices, and the environment in which your dog will stay. Ensure they adhere to proper hygiene and safety protocols.
Why Home-Based Boarding Can Be Better
Home-based boarding often provides a more personalized and comfortable environment for your pet compared to large kennel facilities. Here are some advantages:
- Reduced Stress: Home-based boarders typically offer a quieter, more familiar environment, which can help reduce anxiety for your dog.
- Individual Attention: With fewer pets to look after, home-based boarders can provide more individualized care, including personalized playtime and attention.
- Flexible Routines: Home-based boarders often allow for more flexibility with your pet’s routine, including feeding times and exercise, helping to maintain your pet’s regular schedule.
By planning ahead and considering all your options, including home-based boarding, you can ensure that your pet has a safe and enjoyable experience while you’re away.
Pack Essentials
Creating a travel checklist can save you time and stress. Be sure to pack:
- Pet food and water
- Bowls
- Leash and harness
- Favorite toys
- Medications and health records
Safety in the Car
Keep your pet safe in the car by using a pet seatbelt or carrier. Remember, never leave your pets unattended in a vehicle, especially in extreme temperatures, as they can suffer from heatstroke or hypothermia.
Frequent Breaks
Just like us, pets need frequent breaks during long trips. Schedule stops for bathroom breaks and exercise. Look for rest areas that offer pet-friendly facilities for added convenience.
Boarding Your Pet
Choosing the Right Boarding Facility
If your holiday plans don’t include your pet, it’s time to find a suitable boarding facility. Tour potential home based boarding facilities or pet hotels, check reviews, and ensure they are clean and well-staffed.
Prepare Your Pet
To minimize anxiety, get your pet accustomed to the boarding environment by arranging short visits beforehand. This can help them feel more comfortable when the time comes to board.
What to Bring
When packing for your pet’s stay, label items like food, medications, and comfort items such as blankets or toys. Providing the staff with detailed information about your pet’s routine and preferences can make their stay more enjoyable.
Keeping Pets Safe During Thanksgiving Festivities
Avoid Holiday Foods
It’s important to remember that many holiday foods can be harmful to pets. Common items like onions, chocolate, and grapes can cause serious health issues. The ASPCA warns against feeding pets anything that’s not specifically formulated for them. Look here for some things you can feed your pets during the holidays HERE!
Monitoring Guests
During festive gatherings, ensure that your guests don’t inadvertently feed your pet anything harmful. Creating a designated safe space for your pet away from the excitement can help keep them calm and secure.
Decorations Safety
As you decorate your home for the holidays, be mindful of choking hazards and toxic plants. Items such as poinsettias are dangerous if ingested. Ensure decorations are out of reach of curious paws.
1. Fireplace and Candles
With the cozy ambiance that candles and fireplaces provide, it’s essential to warn about their associated risks. Keep pets away from open flames and hot surfaces, and consider using battery-operated candles for a safer alternative.
2. Manage Holiday Plants:
Keep festive plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly out of your pet’s reach, as they can be toxic if ingested.
3. Cover the Tree Stand:
Prevent pets from drinking the water in your Christmas tree stand, as it may contain harmful fertilizers and sap.
4. Hide Ribbons and Tinsel:
Keep decorative ribbons, strings, and tinsel stored out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion, which can lead to serious digestive issues.
5. Stabilize the Christmas Tree:
Securely anchor your tree to prevent it from toppling over if your pet decides to investigate its branches.
6. Store Gifts Safely:
Until it’s time to open presents, keep your pet’s gifts stored in a secure location to avoid early unwrapping!
Conclusion
Preparing your pet for the holidays is essential to ensuring that both you and your furry companions enjoy a stress-free season. By planning ahead and following the tips shared in this blog, you can create a safe and festive environment for everyone.
Call to Action
Have your own tips for keeping pets safe during the holidays? Share your experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow our blog for more pet care advice and tips. Share this post with fellow pet owners to help them prepare their furry friends for the holiday season!