Do’s & Don’ts for Christmas Pets
10 Do’s and Don’ts for a safe Christmas with pets
Is it Christmastime already? You are probably thinking about buying something for your beloved pet, or at least your pet is hoping you will. There are so many different treats, toys and games that companies provide for our pets, but are they safe? Here is a list of some dos and don’ts to keep your pet safe during the holidays.
The Do’s
- Natural bones, hooves, and antlers
Sorry cats- this one goes to the dogs! There are so many different options for dog bones. Some are real, natural bones like marrow bones (which are a favorite in my house, pictured above), hooves and antlers/horns. Kneecaps are good but beware of whole knee joints that have parts that can break off and become small enough for your dog to swallow or choke on. There are also bones that are made of natural ingredients (see Edible Bones). Both are good options for your avid chewer. Some bones that are also fun for your dog that are not a whole part of the animal but can be just as safe. They are made by Benebone® and Nylabone®.
- Edible bones
Some options for bones that are edible are usually made by companies like Nylabone®, Purina®, Best Bully Sticks®, and various other companies. They come in a variety of flavors and sizes. When choosing your bones please keep in mind the size, age, and health of your dog before feeding an edible bone. The least amount of ingredients is better and make sure that the bones are made in the US. Keep in mind that your dog will be able to eat these and may cause gastric upset or a change in bowels. If your dog does not have a sensitive tummy go for it! Some additional bones that are good are beef trachea (pictured third from left). Bully sticks, trachea, and Himalayan cheese chews are one ingredient and healthy for your pet.
- Games
Dog games and interactive toys can sometimes be intimidating to dogs and owners. The way to bypass this is start off easy and move to the more difficult games and interactive toys. Lick mats are a great place to start. These can be easily purchased from a pet supply store. They are either plate or bowl shaped (pictured above) and have divots or ridges to help your dog lick to work for their food. This is very calming for your pet and entertains them. Another great option for starting off easy is a snuffle mat (pictured above). You sprinkle the food in it and the dog must sniff and find the kibble or treats. This is also a great for calming your pet and keeping them busy. There are some more difficult games available for purchase for dogs that are not so easily entertained and need more stimulation. There are fun options pictured above. These are a great way to keep your pet busy during the holidays and it offers mental stimulation and entertainment. I can imagine cats can use some of these toys too. I do not have personal experience using these with cats, but they might like to lick treats or wet food off a lick mat! There are also similar items that hold dry food or treats that your cat has to chase or bat in order to release the food.
- Toys/Chews
Dogs: Stuffed toys, ropes, tug toys, squeaky toys, and chew bones are all fun options for your dog. The items pictured above and things like them can be safe for your dog. Some toys are made to be chewed and if you have an aggressive chewer these might be a better option. Purchase toys that are made for your dog’s size and chew strength. Be careful that your dog does not eat the stuffing or squeakers that come in the toys. Also, if you give your pet a stuffed toy be sure that the eyes and nose are not made of a bead or hard plastic item that your dog can choke on. ALWAYS supervise your pets that are notorious for chewing and eating toys. This can lead to a blockage and even death.
Cats: There are many more toys for cats that are safe than for dogs. Same rule applies though, no foreign made items or dollar store finds. Stick to US manufactured items. Pictured above are some toys that are fun for cats and common in most cat households. Cat’s like to climb, bat moving things and listen to squeaks. Cats enjoy scratch pads (as pictured above) and this will keep them from attacking your “fur”niture! Many cat toys come with catnip which is perfectly safe for your cats and totally enjoyable dude!
- Table scraps
You might be thinking “Whoa, did you just say table scraps are okay?”. Why yes, yes I did. However, it should be noted that table scraps are a “do” and a “don’t”. Safe table scraps for both cats and dogs would include cooked meat such as pork (stick to chops or a savory pork to reduce sugar intake), poultry, red meat such as beef and lamb. Some cooked fish is okay such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies. Perhaps you do not want to eat the skin of the fish so you can give that as well so long as it is not heavily spiced or salted. Your cat will especially thank you for the extra fish scraps. Most fruits and veggies are good for dogs and cats. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin (not the pie!), green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, blueberries, bananas, apples, etc. So, carve up some turkey for your furry family member and give them something to enjoy during family dinner. While the meat is enticing and many pets do not like fruits and veggies and that is okay, stick with what they like and let them have some holiday fun!
Please visit this site for further information on foods safe for dogs and cats.
The Don’ts
- Rawhide and some natural bones
Keep in mind not all natural bones are safe. Some get slick or splinter and break into shards that can be sharp and cause harm to your dog. Bones that are notorious for this are rib bones, femur bones, shank bones and dried animal ears/leather. Always be sure your bones are naturally smoked, steamed or raw and harvested in the US. NO RAWHIDE- it is bleached and becomes very slick and slimy when chewed.
- Foreign Made Toys
Please note this is not a cultural or demeaning paragraph about the Chinse. This in no way reflects how I feel about Asian cultures. However, it is known that not all toys and non-edible chews are safe for dogs most coming from China. Steer clear of dollar store or cheap plastic or rubber toys with small parts your dog can chew off and ingest. Please visit these sites to learn more about toys made in China.
- Table Scraps
Yes, here we are again! There are some table scraps that are NOT safe for pets such as cooked bones from turkey or chicken. These bones and splinter when cooked and can become very dangerous if your pet ingests them. It is best to avoid shellfish, heavily salted foods, starchy or sugary foods and breads. These things can pack the pounds on our pets just like they can to us. Avoid fattier foods too as it can be hard for your pet to digest.
- Dangerous Plants
There are some plants that we like to keep around during the holidays and the can be poisonous to our curious pets. These plants are a beautiful and festive, so it is no wonder we like to adorn our homes with them during the holidays. Unfortunately, they must be delicious to our pets because they have been known to start chowing down, especially those kitty cats. Keeping these plants away from our dogs and cats can eliminate “cat”ostrophic vet bills and possibly even losing your pet to a toxic plant. If you cannot keep these plants away from your animals, it would be wise to not bring them around your home. No plant is worth the life if your pet.
- Isolate Your Pets
It is easy to put your pets in another room while you have company over because you do not want to disturb anyone. That is understandable and totally doable. However, do not forget your pet needs your attention too during the holidays. It can be an emotionally charged time for you and your pet will feel that. If you isolate your pet for long periods of time while family is in town or you are having activities and meals during a particular holiday your pet might need to potty, get a snack, and say hello to people, unless your dog prefers to be alone. If you do decide to remove your pet from the area, put them in a safe location with one or many of the interactive toys and treats listed in this article. I challenge you to become creative and find a way to integrate your pet into your holiday traditions. After all, they are a part of our family!
Places I like to purchase toys, games, and treats! If you have questions email me at ederashepherds@gmail.com
www.chewy.com
www.amazon.com
www.jefferspet.com
www.rawk9.com
www.bjsrawpetfood.com
