~ Pets and the Holidays ~

FYI - I know more about cats, so this will probably be a bit  cat slanted =)

The Do's and Don'ts

1. Never give a pet as a gift unless you are absolutely certain the recipient wants a pet. Pet's have personalities just as people do, and the right personality match is the key to long term happiness.

2. Pets are lots of work, make sure that you want to accomodate your new friend and that your home is "petproofed" (more about this below).

3. Pets can live for 10 year or more, remember this is not something to do on a whim, they are a long-term committment, require lots of companionship and can cost lots of money too!! ($200 or more a year on average).

4. Children lose interest in pets quickly, don't bring a pet into your home for your "children" to learn responsibility. Make sure that you are prepared to take on the responsibility that your children will not.

5. Along the same lines, don't bring a pet into your home so your children can experience the "miracle of life". There are too many unwanted pets in shelters, please spay or neuter your new furry friend!

6. If you have made the decision to bring a pet into your home, wait until after Christmas. Christmas brings lots of hussle and bustle to your home, frequent visitors, doors being propped open to bring in packages. Too many opportunities for your new friend to get lost, scared, or run away. Introduce your pet to his new surroundings when you have the time to give the attention and patience your new friend requires to get adjusted.

Suggestions and Hints

1. Get informed. Ask questions. Do some research. Find out what is entailed with owning this particular type of pet. If you don't know of anyone with a pet, go to the local shelter or veterinarian, they will be able to provide you with information and/or guidance.

2. If you live alone and work, a puppy may not be the right pet for you. They require lots of work, companionship and training. Kittens are cute, but they can also get into lots of trouble if unattended for hours. Kittens sometimes do better in pairs, (I've read that rabbits do too).  Kittens will play with each other rather than playing with your curtains, couch, walls, etc. They have companionship while you are away at work. If two is too many, try an older cat, their personalities have already developed. (I got my first cat when he was 4 months old, and his personality has not changed much).

3. Buy food bowls, water bowls, food, treats, leash/collar, crate, litter pan (liners & litter), toys, brushes, nail clippers, blanket/bed, toys, everything that your new furry friend might want/need before you bring him/her home. Then you will be able to spend the quality time you both will need to adjust to your new arrangement.

4. Decide where your new friend will be staying. For dogs/puppies decide where you will put his/her bed, or crate beforehand.
For cats, decide where the litter pan will stay, and try to keep it in the same vicinity at first, so kitty knows where it is. When you bring kitty home, show him/her where the litter box is, and rub his front paws (as if he/she were digging) in the litter.

5. Bring your new furry friend home, at a time when you will be home the most. I usually choose 3-day weekends, or when I have vacation.

6. If you have more than one cat, introduce cats in an area of the home that your first cat doesn't go frequently. IE: Laundry room, foyer, garage, etc. This is to try to avoid any invasion of territory. (I have 3 cats and they still have minor territory issues, but nothing harmful for any of them). Contain new kitty in one room of the house for the first few days, when there is no one around to supervise. Once kitties seem to bond, then you will not need to confine either of them.

Holiday Dangers

-    all those wonderful holiday plants, poinsetta's, holly, mistletoe are poisonous and must be kept out of reach from our furry friends.

-    chocolate. Yep! This is another no-no, chocolate is actually toxic for dogs and cats, so watch those chocolate chip cookies for santa!! Same goes for alcohol and caffeine.

-       no avocado for birds, this too, is toxic.

-     decorations, glass balls for the tree, tinsel, garland, all enticing to pets. And all invite a visit to the vet if eaten.

-    bows on presents. (I can't even put bows on presents until they are leaving the house!!)

-    christmas tree.    Put your tree up for a day or 2 without any decorations. Some cats seem to have an obsession to climb the tree, but it usually subsides in a couple of days. Another suggestions is fastening the tree to the wall, so when cats jump in it, the tree doesn't fall.

-    candles. Oh how pretty they are! But make sure they are out of reach, the dancing flame seems to interest pets. Let them watch it from afar =)

-     electrical cords, pets may chew on them and get electricuted.

-    over indulging. Giving tabby or fido too many treats may cause diahrrea and can cause to a fatal inflammation of the pancreas. Offer your friend more play-time instead of a treat or menu change.

-    if you are traveling, and your pet is going with you, make sure he/she is up to date on vaccinations. Bring documentation of vaccinations, just in case. If you are traveling and your pet is not going with you, remember to make proper arrangements for your pet, feeding, walking, fresh water, companionship. Check with your veterinarian to see if they offer boarding options if you can't find someone to pet sit.

-  Indoor/Outdoor pets? Be careful of antifreeze on the ground. Antifreeze is toxic. Make sure your pet has water, and not ice in his/her water bowl. Also make sure your pet is properly protected from frostbite.

-    Too much excitement and company for pets can make them nervous. Make sure they have an escape route to a warm, quiet place and keep an eye on them so they don't hurt someone in fear. (Remember to get them for the pictures though!!)

Page created 12/2/01

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