Holiday Pet Etiquette

Pet Etiquette for Holiday Festivities Throughout the Year

While celebrations bring good times and joy, they also present a number of dangerous circumstances to our four-legged friends. People traveling with pets often due well with a containment shelter, like our Portable Pop-up Kennel, to keep the exciting but stimulating environment from distressing your pet. Such distractions—cooking, cleaning, guests—create dangerous circumstances for our pets. Read below about how to keep you, your guests and furry friends safe on holidays throughout the year.

Holiday hazards that can be harmful to your pets:

  • Chocolate (poisonous, possibly deadly)
  • Fat trimmings and bones (can causing pancreatitis, or block airways and intestines)
  • Alcohol
  • Preservatives in Christmas tree water
  • Delicate or small ornaments (choking hazard)

 Stuff your Thanksgiving turkey, not your pet!

Overindulging in fatty foods can lead to an upset stomach or even a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis. Onions, grapes and raisins can be very harmful to our pets so be sure to pay close attention when using these ingredients!

To be safe, put away food immediately after serving. It may be smart to feed and exercise your pets before hosting so they are tired and beg less for food. Also keep an eye on the garbage and keep it securely fastened!

"Every year I invite company over for a few days during the holidays and my dog Gypsy doesn't get along with other dogs. Of course, one guest usually brings her miniature pincher along, too. We always plan on having our  Portable Pop-up Kennels in the house to keep the dogs separated."

Sally Montiano, Sturdi Products "Heavy User"

Mind the Hanukkah candles

There’s no doubt candles can be dangerous if we aren’t cautious! Pets can burn themselves or knock over candles and create a serious fire hazard to all family members and guests.

Secure your Christmas tree

Make sure to anchor Christmas trees securely because a climbing cat or the wag of a dog's tail can easily knock over a tree. Clean up pine needles often and try to prevent pets from drinking water from the tree stand; especially if there has been added preservative. 
Tree ornaments are also a risk because of their bright and colorful look. Place glass, aluminum and paper ornaments higher up on the tree so that pets can not break or swallow them.

Easter

Consumption of real and plastic eggs can be harmful to your pet. Artificial grass can also cause gastrointestinal problems or intestinal blockages that may require surgical intervention. And beware of Easter Lilies! These common Easter flowers are toxic plants and can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends.

Stress during the 4th of July and New Years

Never use fireworks around pets! Loud noises can terrify your pets and cause them to run away or even break out. Other hazards items include glow sticks, fun jewelry, lighter fluid and matches. And remember to use pet-friendly insect repellents and sunscreens!

Make sure your pets are wearing a collar and identification tags with current information. Microchipping is always advised too! Learn more on microchipping.

Trick-or-treating on Halloween

Do not bring your pup trick-or-treating. They could get spooked by the noise and confusion of Halloween. Children you encounter may also be fearful of dogs. If handing out candy behind the door, be alert so pets don’t run out the front door.

 

Hosting or attending a party with your pet?

Some pets love visitors and behave very well; however others could be fearful or act aggressive with new guests entering the house. This is especially true when adding more animal friends. Temporarily containing your pets or visiting pets in Portable Pop-up Kennels can really take the stress out of social events.