Holiday Tips from DogLog App

As the end of the year nears, festive family gatherings are quickly approaching. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to ensure your pets stay happy and healthy during the holiday season.

1. DO cherish the time you have with your pets.

No matter how stressful the holiday times can be, remember that your pets are always there to provide you comfort and love. Cherish the time you have with your pets and the fun activities you do together.

2. DON’T Feed Pets Table Scraps

Like people, pets can gain weight during the holidays. Keep your pets on a regular feeding schedule and avoid giving your pets table scraps, which can add extra calories they don’t need.

3. DO make sure your pets’ medical records are handy!

Whether you’re taking your pets with you, taking them to boarding, or hiring a pet sitter, it’s important to have their medical records available. You can also share their records directly with your caretaker through
the DogLog app.

4. DON’T feed these foods to your pets

• Bones: Bones easily splinter and can cause serious health problems (even death) for your pet.
• Candy: Particularly chocolate — which is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets — and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol.
• Citrus and pits: Keep foods containing citric acid away from your pets. Foods such as cherry pits, peach pits and apple seeds contain essential oils that have the ability to cause irritations and even central nervous system depression if a significant amount is ingested.
• Coffee: Grounds, beans and chocolate-covered espresso beans.
• Grapes and raisins: These can cause kidney problems.

5. DO Provide Save Havens For Pets

During the chaos of the holidays with people coming and going, it’s a good idea to provide a safe “getaway” for your pet, far away from the noise, people and confusion. This can be a room in your house where your pet won’t be disturbed but that has all of his favorite toys, a bed, food, water and a litter box for cats.

6. DON’T leave trash cans open.

Open trash cans are an easy target for your dog to get into trouble quickly. Even a small dog can knock an open trash can over and get themselves into trouble quickly. Close all trash cans and take tempting-smelling trash out of the room where your dog will be spending time so they don’t paw it all day long.

7. DO get your pets a special toy

As family members spend time dining, give your pup a special toy to keep them occupied. To make it extra special, pick a Thanksgiving themed toys for your pup. If the pet prefers a favorite toy or game that you already have, make sure to get it out for him to play with. This can be a stressful time for him and you want him to be aware that you know he’s doing his best.