Pet Behavior Problems and the Holidays
Pet Safety and Entertaining at Home
During the holidays it is more likely you will be having people visit your home. As much fun as this is for you, it can be upsetting for your pet. Dogs and cats are creatures of routines (as are some of us humans) and when your home gets topsy turvy, they tend to get stressed out. Here are few suggestions from experts on how to prepare your pet for the holidays:
Prepare your guests - Before you have guests in your home, tell them you have a pet. Ask them if they have any issues with your pet. Some people have allergies and some people are afraid of animals. For example, my daughter used to be terrified of large dogs.
Have an obedience review – Making sure your pet responds to commands such as “stay”, “down” and “drop it” will prevent your dog from rushing at visitors, jumping on guests and eating harmful foods.
Clean for allergies - Clean and vacuum your entire home. If you have a guest with allergies make sure their room is aired out and don’t let your pet in that room after you clean it.
Rearrange furniture a few days before event - If you are going to move the furniture around do it a few days early so your pet can get used to it. Pets do not like changes and yours will need some time to get acclimated to the new setting.
Maintain normal walking and feeding schedules – Take your dog for a walk before guests arrive. Try to keep the regular routine of exercise and eating as normal as possible.
Tell small children how to treat your pet - Children who have no pets at home need to be shown how your dog or cat likes to be petted and what is good behavior around pets. Make an adult is always with a child when he or she is interacting with your pet.
Have a safe retreat for your pet – Pets may need to chill out in a quiet place. Have one available for your pet.
Monitor treats – Don’t let your guests give your pets any food other than dog treats. Many people do not understand that many everyday foods are toxic to dogs and cats so just give them some dog or cat treats to feed your pet.
Door policy – Tell guests how to keep your pet from making a break for it when the door opens. It may be helpful to make a sign saying “Keep dog/cat inside” and post it on the door. Also, make sure your pet is wearing a collar.
Stay relaxed - Good advice at all times but during the holidays you may tend to be more tense. Your pet picks up on your emotions so you need to stay calm.
Want to know more about Pet Safety for the Holidays read our post on Top Holiday Dangers for Pets
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Beach Safety for your Pet
Beach Safety Tips
Here are some beach/water safety tips from the American Kennel Club and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
Check daily water conditions – Ask your lifeguard about the water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.
Limit running if your dog is not in shape – Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and if your dog is not in good physical condition he/she could easily pull a tendon or ligament.
Provide fresh water – The salt in seawater can make your dog ill. Freshwater streams and lakes can contain parasites and unhealthy bacteria. Make sure your dog stays hydrated. See our post on Dog Dehydration
Check if pets are allowed - Not all beaches or lakes permit dogs.
Stay away from currents – Don’t let your dog get over tired and keep the dog away from currents.
Don’t get in over your head – If you and your dog swim together don’t let the water get over your heads. Many dogs will try to climb on their guardian’s head or shoulders when they tire.
Use a canine life vest for boating – For boating or swimming in lakes, get your dog a well-fitted canine life vest. To keep your dog from swimming too far away use a long nylon lead. Keep a close watch to make sure your dog doesn’t get tangled in the lead.
Keep fishing gear and fish away from pets -If you take your dog fishing make sure they can not get close to fishing lines, lures, hooks or bait. Keep your dog away from feces, dead fish and shellfish washed up on the shore. They can contain toxins and parasites.
Rinse your pet at the end of your visit to the beach – Salt and other minerals found in the ocean can damage your dog’s coat. When you are ready to leave for the day, rinse him with fresh water. Don’t forget to rinse the paws. You might also consider giving your pet PetAlive Skin & Coat Tonic which will act as a preventative to keep their coat healthy. Also if your dog has a heavy or soft coat, brush her thoroughly after she’s dried following a swim. Soft coats can mat when wet and trap bacteria that can create local areas of infection called “hot spots.”
