Celebrations And Pet Safety

Celebrations mean the gathering of a wide variety of people of all ages and personalities. Celebrations mean excitement, activity, decorations, special foods, and a flurry of activity, often late into the night.

Human beings look forward to any celebration or holiday with a variety of emotions, usually excitement and joy. Excitement and joy for pets is associated with long walks, the sight of a loved one, and a good meal.

Pets are creatures of habit. Although their personalities may vary, they thrive with routine, good food, regular exercise, appropriate toys, love, and a comfortable bed.

The significance we place on celebrations and holidays has no meaning for pets, and the associated activities may leave them confused, neglected, nervous, and fearful.

There are a few things that you can do to keep your pets contented and safe during any celebration.

1. Keep your pet on his/her regular routine. If they don't have one, establish one. Feed, play, exercise, and rest. During busy seasons of the year, tend to your pet first. They will then be calm and content as you go about more exciting business. If you are having guests, give your pet an extra long walk, before the guests arrive.

2. When you have visitors, unless they are few, and well known and liked by your pet, make sure you consider your pets best interest. Some pets enjoy company, some dislike strangers, and some get overly excited. Whichever is the case, the best option is to allow a short visit, then off to a quiet room with some favorite chewable toys, a treat, and a comfortable bed.

3. Nervous, ill, very young, and elderly pets need your protection. These pets are better off away for varied and sundry guests. Establish a safe, quiet, and comfortable area, for your pets, and use it when needed.

It is important to realize that nervous or ill pets may respond to unwanted attention by growling, snapping, and even biting. This is not the pets fault. It is a normal reaction to what the pet views as a threat.

4. A word about children. Almost all children love animals and wish them no harm. Unfortunately many children are not taught how to teat animals, especially strange ones. As a result these children may pull, poke, drag, and generally harass any pet. In response, the animal may scratch, nip, or bite. If you are having children in your home, allow them a brief, supervised visit with your pets. The pet then needs to be left alone, if you have any concerns, in a locked room.

5. Some animals love to perform and march around wearing the antlers and party hats. Other cringe at the sight of them. The photographs may look adorable, but at what price to the happiness of your pet. You may be entertained by the sight, but respect your pets as you respect your peers,

6. Be aware that there are many foods and plants that we enjoy. These same plants and foods can kill a pet or make them seriously ill. This is because some pets will consume anything that is presented to them or left available. The digestive system of pets is different from that of humans. And yes, I have heard all the stories of pets enjoying things said to be poisonous for them, but why take a chance. Foods known to be potentially poisonous to pets include:

chocolate

grapes and raisins

alcohol

coffee

macademia nuts and walnuts

bread dough

avocados

onions, mushrooms, and

many fruits and their pits

There are literally hundreds of other foods that are potentially poisonous to pets, so many in fact that it is clear - pets should eat pet food, and only pet food.

Plants potentially poisonous to pets include, among others:

pointsetias

hyacanths

narcissus

hydrangea

diffenbachia

Christmans Rose

philodendron

peace lily, and

many bulbs

Pets can safely enjoy a variety of treats. You cannot go wrong with a good quality of dog biscuit, suited to your pet's size. For special occasions, you can give a very small bit of meat, chicken, or fish (no bones). Some pets like a small piece of cheese, apple, or raw carrot. Small is the key. It's gone in a flash anyway. If you have any doubts about treats, consult your veterinarian. They know you pet and what is best for them.

Responsible pet owners realize, that, unlike our children, who grow up, learn, and and leave us, our pets are with us for life, dependent on us throughout their lives, for food, shelter, exercise, love, and a safe and long life.

Many pets become ill, injured and die, during celebrations and holidays. Don't let yours be among them.