Pet Survival Guide: Winter and the Holidays

Bonny Rose

The holidays can be a stressful time for your pet, just as it can be for you! Sure, they don’t have to struggle with mall traffic just to buy gifts for everyone on their list or cook for twenty out of town guests, but there are a lot of changes they have to adjust to in the month of December.

First off, let’s deal with the weather. Usually, in a normal winter, it’s COLD! (Now, a Tennessee winter is a different story). The weather changes affect your dogs and cats just as much as it affects you. As a guideline, if you pet stays outside usually they will be fine with proper shelter (a covered doghouse or similar structure) down to around 20° F. However, puppies, kittens, smaller dogs and geriatric pets usually should not be left outside below 40° F. Some pets may need a sweater if their hair coat is especially thin or short. The cold also makes arthritis act up in geriatric pets, so remember to have their arthritis medications on hand and limit their time outside. Frostbite can occur in extremely low temperatures, especially on the ears, paws and tail. If theses spots appear hardened, cold to the touch or black, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Remember to keep fresh water out for your dog and change it often to prevent freezing. Finally, if you use ethylene glycol anti-freeze in your vehicle, please keep it safe and away from your pet’s reach as it is highly toxin to both dogs and cats.

Now, for the holiday hazards your pet may encounter.

• Holiday Foods: Try to prevent your pet from getting any fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcoholic beverages and sweets of any kind (especially chocolate ones). Cooked poultry bones can be a serious hazard to pets as they can splinter and cause gastrointestinal perforation.

• Decorations: Several holiday plants are toxic to pets, especially holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis. Snow globes can contain anti-freeze, so keep them in a safe place to prevent them from breaking. Christmas trees should be secured to prevent falling and keep all breakable ornaments away from the bottom of the tree. Tinsel can also be a danger to both dogs and cats if ingested. Keep your pet away from the tree if possible, as ingesting the tree water or pine needles can cause stomach and intestinal upset. Also, keep candles and electrical wires out of your pet’s reach whenever possible.  

Lots of changes can happen over the holidays that may confuse or stress your pet. If you know when guests are coming, it is a good idea to exercise your dog before they arrive. This may help your pup relax and they may be ready for a nap by the time the guests show up. Try to prevent your pet from greeting guests at the door, as they may become stressed or react unexpectedly. If you think your pet needs a break or seems stressed, you can place them in their crate or an empty room to help them relax.

Finally, just like people, pets love presents! Don’t forget to pick up a new toy or some special treats for your pet to keep them entertained over the holidays.

Hope the holiday season treats everyone well and don’t forget to bundle up and keep warm! Happy Holidays from all of us at CSAH!