If the sounds of school bells, crunching of leaves underfoot, and touchdown celebrations has not yet alerted you, summer has ended and fall festivities loom on the horizon. Dr. Canaan Shores, a veterinarian who heads the Urgent and Convenient Care service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, has advice for making sure the upcoming holidays are just as safe and enjoyable for our pets as for the human members of our family.
He says pet owners face different sets of safety concerns depending on whether they are traveling with their pet, traveling and boarding their pet or leaving them with a sitter, staying at home with their pet, or hosting a gathering.
Traveling with Your Pet
Dr. Shores recommends taking a few precautions before you travel with your pet to help the trip go as smoothly as possible.
- If your pet takes any medications, double check your stock to verify that you have enough to comfortably last the duration of your trip. Do this well in advance to avoid needing a last-minute refill on your way out of town.
- Research urgent or emergency care facilities on your route and at your destination so you’re aware of their locations before an issue arises.
- Talk to your vet about any medications that may make travel easier, whether by relieving the pet’s stress or preventing GI upset with a bland prescription diet. As Dr. Shores says, “Sedatives are our friend!” The goal is to minimize the impact of travel on your pet.
When Your Pet Stays Behind
Again, it’s important to make sure your pet has all necessary medications before you depart.
Additionally, Dr. Shores offers a few considerations for the times you are boarding your pet. “Most boarding facilities require proof of vaccination and deworming. Fulfilling these requirements can take two to four weeks, depending on which vaccines are needed,” he says. “Try to plan as far ahead as possible and go through your pet’s medical record to ensure all criteria are met.”
Even if the boarding facility does not require these protections, your pet may fare better having maximum preventive care. “Talk to your primary care veterinarian about what additional steps can be taken to limit your pet’s risk,” he advises.
Holidays at Home with Your Pet
Before exposing your pet to all the chaos the holidays can bring, you should consider several potential hazards.
“There are going to be many more tasty treats around, with a lot of ‘high-value’ foods being thrown in the garbage, such as turkey carcasses and steak fat,” notes Dr. Shores. “Make sure the trash can is well-secured. Don’t assume that just because your pet hasn’t gotten into something in the past they won’t do it now. Pets change as they get older: sometimes becoming more obedient, but sometimes becoming less obedient.”
He also strongly recommends keeping the number for an animal poison hotline on hand. “I recommend the ASPCA hotline (888-426-4435). There is a small fee for using this resource, but it is well worth it,” he says. “If you’re concerned that your pet has ingested something that may be toxic, you can call that number and they will help determine if your pet should be seen by a veterinarian.”
Cats are especially likely to chew on things like tinsel and wire. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious problems, such as GI obstruction. “Cats are also more likely to climb up onto objects, such as decorative trees,” says Dr. Shores, “If those objects fall, the cat could be injured.”
He advises putting up decorations when you’re going to be home for a few days. That way you can watch how your pet is going to react to these objects. “If there is concern that the pet may not fare well, scale back on the decorations,” he advises.
Hosting a Gathering
Just like people, our pets may feel a range of emotions, depending on their personality, at the prospect of having guests in the home. Pet owners should consider that before the party begins and take steps to minimize their pets’ stress.
“Some pets are going to be gregarious, greeting people at the door happily and not causing any problems,” says Dr. Shores. “For others, gatherings can be a time of high stress, fear, and anxiety. This situation can lead to GI issues and even bite incidents.”
To minimize problems, Dr. Shores advises keeping these pointers in mind:
- Give the pet a quiet, dark area to retreat to if they choose. This will help prevent them from getting overstimulated, scared, or anxious.
- Sedatives can help.
- Tell your guests about your pet’s personality type to prevent unwelcome interactions.
Final Thoughts
Whether traveling or staying home, you should know that holidays are high-volume periods for urgent care and emergency veterinary facilities. It’s a time when primary care facilities are closed and pets are extra likely to need veterinary care. (Dr. Shores says pets more often get into high-fat foods or tangle with a visiting dog.) This combination adds up to longer wait times at the clinics that are open.
Dr. Shores also has advice for anyone considering surprising a loved one with an adorable new pet: “Don’t. If the recipient has a well-thought-out plan, then great. But a pet should not be gotten on a whim and given to someone who is not expecting it.”
He notes that there is a well-documented jump in pets coming into the shelter after the holidays.
With these tips in mind, you and your pet will be well equipped for a cheerful holiday season. As always, if you have any specific questions about how your pet and the holidays, it’s best to talk directly to your primary care veterinarian.
By Jenna Camargo
