We love our pets and would have them with us everywhere all the time, but there are many pitfalls that Fido and Fluffy may encounter during celebrations. Check out some of our tips to keep in mind and visit the resources for more information.

☑️ Don't let Fido finish off the cocktail: Dogs and cats love sweet things and if you have cocktails with mixers or milk sitting unfinished on tables, Fido and Fluffy may imbibe. Alcohol is toxic to pets. Learn more here.

☑️ Keep Fido and Fluffy on a regular routine: Whether you have holiday guests coming over or you are traveling with your pet, it’s important to try to keep them on a regular routine. Pets usually don’t like change (at least that’s very true of our dogs and cats!), so try to take them out and feed them at normal times.

☑️ Remember not all Fidos and Fluffies love having strangers around: We humans may enjoy visiting with long lost relatives and socializing with crazy friends, but Fido and Fluffy may not. Never, ever force your dog and/or cat to be “friends” with strangers, kids, or other pets, especially under stressful holiday circumstances. Even the most docile creature will lash out if stressed, pinched, chromed or pushed.

More importantly, you may have visitors who don’t have pets at home and do not understand how to interact appropriately with your pets. That’s unfair both to your pets and to the visiting children and adults. Cats and dogs need safe spaces during chaotic times. Our oldest cat has a spot in the back of the master bedroom closet where he stays when things get crazy. Our dogs have comfy crates in other rooms. Be sure you have safe havens for your pets.

☑️ No table food and cocktail food scraps: Some of the most common items found in holiday foods are toxic to pets, including chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins… and more. Keep your pets on their own food, year round, for the best longevity and health. Check out this list of no-no foods and check with your vet if you have any questions.

☑️ Dressing your pet up in that weird elf costume may cause them stress: Nothing is cuter than Fluffy dressed up as an Elf. Oh, you know it’s true. But, what about Fluffy? Observe Fido’s and Fluffy’s body language to determine if they are ok with the costume or if it causes them any distress. A stressed dog or cat can present unwanted behaviors because they are unsure how to express their displeasure.

☑️ Toys, batteries, dough ornaments, and tinsel and other holiday items may be seen as chew toys: In short… you can never know what might look like a play thing or chew toy to Fido and Fluffy, so keep everything well away.

☑️ Watch out for toxic plants: Whether you are decking the halls with actual holly, putting poinsetties in the foyer or watching your Christmas cactus bloom, you likely have plants in the house during the holidays. Not all plants are safe for children and pets, though. Check out this article that covers some of the most common plants and their toxicity.

Keeping Fido and Fluffy safe and happy during a busy and sometimes stressful season is the sole responsibility of the pet owner - no one else. Make a good plan so both the humans and the pets have a wonderful time during the holidays!

In the meantime, if you would like to make an end of year donation to help the Fidos and Fluffies in the Douglas County GA shelter and across our community, we would be very grateful.

Happy Holidays,

Douglas County Humane Society