Holiday Hazards: Pet-Proofing Your Festivities
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, the festivities, the food, the gifts, and the decorations. Ensure a safe holiday season by identifying common hazards for pets, such as certain decorations and festive foods.

“Many of the decorations, foods, and festivities we associate with the holidays could cause big problems for your pet, putting them at risk for everything from indigestion to severe injury,” according to the article, “22 Holiday Items That Can Harm Your Pet” at petMD.com.

The article says to keep pets away from:

• Fatty foods, which can cause pancreatitis.
• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Grapes and raisins are dangerous.
• Sugar-free pastries and candies containing xylitol are toxic to dogs.
• Garlic and onions are dangerous for dogs and cats.

Additionally, keep your pet away from the dangers of alcoholic beverages, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, burning candles, and electrical cords.

Pets can feel scared and overwhelmed during the holidays. Keep your eyes on your pets so they don’t get into foods they shouldn’t eat or into anything else posing a threat.

According to the article, “6 Holiday Pet-Safety Tips for Pet Parents” at Chewy.com, “With people coming and going from your home and all the holiday hustle and bustle, your pets can slip out the door. Put up signs to keep the door securely closed, put up dog gates, and remind your guests if needed.”

Ensure Your Pet’s Year-End Health Check and Get Ready for the New Year
Your pet’s health is important every day throughout the year. As 2025 winds down it’s important to reflect on your pet’s health over the past year and get ready for a healthy start to the new year including wellness checkups and routine care.

Start by getting all your pet’s information and reviewing the past year. “The end of the year is a great time to take stock of your pet’s overall health and happiness,” according to the article, “End of Year Pet Checklist: Preparing Your Pet for a Happy, Healthy 2025” at Josey Ranch Pet Hospital. Questions to ask include:

• Did their routine change?
• Does your pet get enough exercise, mentally and physically?

Note any changes you’ve noticed and bring them up with your veterinarian. Schedule your pet’s next wellness exam in the new year.

According to the Josey Ranch Pet Hospital article, be sure to get on track or continue with preventative care, including flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Have your pet’s microchip information updated and check your pet’s emergency kit. “Take a few minutes to review the contents of your pet’s emergency kit and restock anything that’s outdated or missing,” the article said.

It’s also a good idea to think about your pet’s health into the new year. According to the article, “New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Pet” at American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), it’s important to keep your pet active. “Regular exercise will help keep your pet’s weight in check, build muscle, and prevent boredom.” Additionally, make sure not to overlook your pet’s dental health, which is important for your pet’s overall health, the article said. Also be sure your pet has a balanced and nutritious diet.

Keeping your pet healthy and happy in the new year will prove to be positive for you both.

Article 2: “Holiday Hazards: Pet-Proofing Your Festivities”

HEAD:
Holiday Hazards: Pet-Proofing Your Festivities
OR
Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy During the Holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, the festivities, the food, the gifts, and the decorations. Ensure a safe holiday season by identifying common hazards for pets, such as certain decorations and festive foods.

“Many of the decorations, foods, and festivities we associate with the holidays could cause big problems for your pet, putting them at risk for everything from indigestion to severe injury,” according to the article, “22 Holiday Items That Can Harm Your Pet” at petMD.com.

The article says to keep pets away from:

• Fatty foods, which can cause pancreatitis.
• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Grapes and raisins are dangerous.
• Sugar-free pastries and candies containing xylitol are toxic to dogs.
• Garlic and onions are dangerous for dogs and cats.

Additionally, keep your pet away from the dangers of alcoholic beverages, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, burning candles, and electrical cords.

Pets can feel scared and overwhelmed during the holidays. Keep your eyes on your pets so they don’t get into foods they shouldn’t eat or into anything else posing a threat.

According to the article, “6 Holiday Pet-Safety Tips for Pet Parents” at Chewy.com, “With people coming and going from your home and all the holiday hustle and bustle, your pets can slip out the door. Put up signs to keep the door securely closed, put up dog gates, and remind your guests if needed.”

If your pet is stressed due to many houseguests coming in and out along with loud noise and music, try to keep them calm by creating a safe environment away from guests. Keep them distracted with enrichment toys and even music, the Chewy.com article said.

Ensuring your pet is safe and out of danger during the holidays is of the utmost importance.

Honoring Senior Pets and Caring for Them
November is National Senior Pet Month and a perfect time to not only celebrate your senior but to learn how to care for aging pets. This includes regular vet checkups, tailored exercise routines, and more.

As pets age, they have different needs, physically, mentally, and medically. “Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets, before those problems become serious or life-threatening, which can lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet,” according to the article, “Caring for senior cats and dogs” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Older pets are more susceptible to age-related issues and some diseases. This often means more vet visits, a different diet, and lifestyle. The AVMA article suggests:

· More veterinary care
· Change in diet and nutrition
· Controlling weight
· Controlling parasites
· Vaccination requirements for older pets
· Appropriate exercise
· Keeping up their mental health

There are more common health problems in both senior cats and dogs. According to the AVMA article, “Cancer is the cause of death in almost half of dogs and about a third of cats over 10 years old.” Some signs to look for include:

· Abdominal swelling
· Bleeding from nose, mouth, or other body openings
· Hard to eat, swallow, or breathe
· Lumps, bumps, or discolored skin
· Non-healing sores

Senior pets may have different grooming needs. “They may have trouble keeping themselves clean or reaching areas to groom, so more frequent bathing or trimmings may be necessary,” according to the article, “5 Expert Tips for Caring for Senior Pets” at ASPCA.

Keep your pet’s coat brushed and clean. Tangling can cause a lot of discomfort for your pet. It’s also important to ensure your pet’s nails are not too long.

Ensure your pet’s senior years are golden. If you have concerns, contact your veterinarian.

Thanksgiving Tips: Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Feast
Soon people around the country will celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s important to keep your pet safe around the food and all the commotion of guests.

Guests usually mean doors opening and closing, according to the article, “Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pets” at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “This gives pets more chances to dart outside unnoticed and escape,” the article said. When your pet flees outside the chances of becoming lost, being hit by a car, or meeting other animals become greater. Help protect your pet by doing the following:

· Place pets in a safe, quiet room.
· Use barriers or baby gates to keep pets away from open doors.
· Ensure your pet is microchipped with updated information.
· Your pet should always wear a collar with “legible identification tags.”

According to the AAHA article, keep your pets away from lit candles (use flameless candles placed out of reach), electrical cords (secure cords with protective covers), and decorative plants (artificial plants can do the trick).

Don’t offer foods that can be harmful to pets. According to the article, “Thanksgiving Safety Tips” at ASPCA, “If you do decide to feed your pet a small bite of turkey or other meat, make sure it’s boneless and fully cooked.” Some spices and ingredients can be toxic to pets, including onions and garlic. Bouillon cubes and raw yeast bread dough are also dangerous. Keep your pets away from the desserts. Raw eggs, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate can cause major damage.

Where there’s food, there’s trash. Take out your garbage so that your pet doesn’t get into it. All those items you don’t want your pet to get into will likely be in the trash. “Try to remember to empty your trash throughout the day so that curious pets don’t get into trouble,” the ASPCA article said.

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets
Halloween is just about here and that means scary fun for the entire family, including pets. From costumes and candy to parties and trick-or-treating, being safe is always a priority. So how do you keep your pets safe?

Costumes are not for all pets. If your pet does wear a costume, make sure your pet is OK with the costume and that it’s safe for her to wear. According to the article, “Halloween Pet Safety Tips” at petMD.com, “Costumes need to fit properly without restricting movement, causing trouble breathing, or rubbing anywhere that might cause red spots or sores.”

It’s important to keep an eye on your pet while they are in the costume. It’s also a good idea not to keep the costume on your pet for too long. Signs of discomfort or anxiety in dogs can include lip licking, head turning, tucked tail, growling, and more. If you witness any of these, take off the costume. Cats may pace or become restless; they may hide or show decreased appetite.

Halloween candy is a no-no for pets. According to the article, “These 6 Halloween Pet Safety Tips Are Fright-Night Necessities” at Chewy.com, “Your pet should never eat any kind of candy,” but some types can be very toxic, including:
• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Sugar-free candy
• Caramel apples
• Candy corn
• Macadamia nuts

Let’s not forget trick-or-treaters, as they can be a cause of stress for pets. According to the Chewy article, it’s important to keep your pets away from the front door. The door will open and close multiple times and you want to ensure your pet doesn’t get out. Use a pet gate, a crate, or leave your pet in another room with the door closed. It’s always best to keep your pet safe.

October is Pet Wellness Month
Did you know October is Pet Wellness Month? What a perfect time to put your pet’s health first by focusing on preventive care, regular check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet. You love your dog, why not show how much by keeping him healthy.

Preventive care for dogs is so important and helps your pet down the line. According to the article, “Celebrating Pet Wellness Month: A Dog’s Best Friend” at Dogtopia, start with veterinary check-ups for your pet on a regular basis. “Routine examinations can help identify problems like dental issues, heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and cancer before they become more advanced and challenging to manage,” the article said. Keep your dog up to date on important vaccinations while also ensuring your dog gets a balanced and nutritious diet as well as regular exercise.

Along with their physical health, dogs need good mental stimulation. “Boredom can lead to behavioral issues like excessive barking and destructive chewing,” the Dogtopia article said. You can help keep your dog’s mind active by providing her with puzzles, interactive toys, and engaging games.

Keeping dogs healthy all year long is crucial and helps dogs live longer lives, according to the article, “October Is Pet Wellness Month: 10 Tips For Dog Wellness” at Dogtime.com. “Adequate nutrition keeps a dog fit and healthy and helps prevent many diseases,” the article said.

The Dogtime article also suggested the following for a healthy lifestyle for your dog:

• Don’t overfeed. You want your dog to maintain a good weight. “An overweight pet has a decreased quality of life,” the Dogtime article said.
• Ensure your dog gets enough exercise including walking, playing, and hiking.
• Keep up on dental care for your dog.
• Brush their fur.

The healthier your dog, the better life he will live.