​The Holiday Season is a special time for people to gather and be merry together. No matter your background or belief system, some kind of holiday celebration is likely to insert itself into your day-to-day life. At such times, it’s important to remember that pets are part of festivities too. Amidst the hustle, bustle and disruptions in routine, it's easy to overlook the potential, pet-specific dangers that lurk within the celebratory frenzy. In this guide, we will highlight some of these hazards and explore various ways to keep your pets safe and happy during the holiday season.

​Nobody likes decorating for the holidays more than I do. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as buying an artisanal, hand-crafted bauble for a hundred bucks and then seeing it shatter the next time someone sneezes near it. Yet, behind the sparkle of fairy lights and shimmer of tinsel there lies a world of danger, especially for your pets. What you see as a delightful winter grotto might constitute a perilous hellscape for a cat or dog. Keep your decorations off the floor as, according to both experts and anyone with even a modicum of common sense, they can be harmful to your pet’s digestive system if swallowed. In the same vein, make sure to secure your Christmas tree so it doesn't topple over if an overly rambunctious pet decides to climb it. Always have a fireguard in your hearth, and make sure those candles are well out of reach. Finally, bear in mind that your pet is not a decoration or accessory. It’s perfectly acceptable to dress them up for the festivities, but only if they’re comfortable with it. The only thing worse than a sad cat is a sad cat with reindeer antlers taped to its head.

​Without a doubt, food and drink play a major role in almost every holiday tradition. We feast and imbibe, and imbibe some more, and then feast again, seeing out the year with an earnest, but ultimately futile resolve to scale back our future indulgences. Just bear in mind, that our furry friend's dietary needs are vastly different from our own. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and foods with artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) should be kept out of your pet's reach. With so many visitors coming and going throughout the season, it’s important to inform your guests about not feeding table scraps to your pets. Instead, serve them (the pets, not the guests) with healthy organic meals. This is particularly important if children are visiting. Of course, that doesn’t mean your furry friends shouldn’t eat well over the holiday season. You can find an abundance of gourmet pet food options available in any major supermarket or pet supply emporium. Consider treating your beloved animal to something special they can enjoy while you’re scarfing your fourth piece of pie. Just remember, Fido most definitely needs to stay away from the champagne. He’s obnoxious when he’s drunk, and everybody knows it.

​The holiday season often involves gatherings, parties, and fireworks. Some of us enjoy these festivities, others find them only mildly more tolerable than a root canal. Regardless of your own inclinations, bear in mind that your pet probably has no idea what in the world is going on and could easily become overwhelmed. This is especially true on New Year's Eve when your pet is wondering why your weird neighbor is vomiting in the plant pot. Some animals, get especially excited or hostile around strangers, and this can prove dangerous for both parties—especially when kids are involved. Nobody wants to miss out on the celebrations because they had to rush Cousin Johnny to the ER for stitches and a rabies shot. In such chaotic circumstances, your animal is most certainly not at fault. Create a safe and quiet space where they can retreat to if they feel stressed. This could be a cozy corner with their bed, toys, and water. You might even consider playing soft music or leaving on a white noise machine on to soothe their nerves. Never force a shy pet to socialize, and make sure all guests are aware of any boundaries the animal might have.

​If you plan to give your pet a gift, remember that they almost certainly don’t care. They're animals! They would probably rather a little extra care and attention, instead. (Likewise, do not be upset if your pet doesn’t give you a gift. It’s not that they’re being thoughtless; you’re just particularly difficult to buy for, and they don’t want to spend money on something you won’t use). If you insist on buying them a present anyway, keep it simple. Ensure that any new items are safe and appropriate. Avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard. Instead, opt for sturdy, pet-approved items that encourage mental stimulation and physical activity. Remember, something as simple as a ratty piece of old string peeled off your shoe can provide a kitten with hours of entertainment.

​With busy holiday schedules, it's easy to overlook your pet's exercise routine. However, just because you’ve eaten so much saturated fat you can hardly move, doesn’t mean your pet should suffer too. Regular exercise, fresh air and the stimulation of being outside are crucial for any animals’ well-being. No matter how busy you get, take time for walks and activities that keep your pet’s mind sharp. If the weather is harsh, consider indoor games like hide and seek. Just bear in mind that there are plenty of holiday hazards outside of the house.

​The holiday season often means an increased output of household waste. For us, this is an inconvenient by product of our seasonal revelry; for a curious pet, it is an abundance of riches. Make sure your garbage is secure, perhaps in a cabinet or sealed with a pet-proof lid. You don’t want them rummaging through the trash and potentially ingesting something harmful. 

​If you're traveling with your pet, ensure their safety and comfort by investing in a spacious, fully equipped pet carrier with a secure door. Make sure to bring some familiar bedding, toys, and food to help them feel at ease in a new environment. If you're flying, check the airline's pet policies well in advance and ensure your animal meets all the requirements to board. Any time your pet is away from their home environment, they should be microchipped and wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information. Remember that the movie Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a highly embellished work of fiction and that most lost animals will NOT embark on a series of colorful adventures and soul-searching trials to find their way home. (Most cats will just pick a new owner).

​Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. It’s the thing you don’t worry about that inevitably ends up blindsiding you—usually when you least expect it. Like any good boy scout you need to be prepared. Have the contact information of a local 24/7 veterinary clinic readily available. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency animal hospital. Check their website for holiday hours and other changes in schedule. In a crisis, quick action can make all the difference.

​Once again, these seemingly innocuous household accessories can pose a significant risk to your pets. Several plants commonly used for decorations, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets if ingested. Mistletoe can also be problematic as it encourages the unsanitary practice of interspecies smooching. Make sure these plants are out of your pet's reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives if you want to decorate with greenery.

​Amidst the holiday chaos, don't forget about your pet's routine health care. Ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite prevention, especially if your guests are bringing unfamiliar animals into the home. With many stores and pharmacies operating on a holiday schedule, it pays to make sure you’re sufficiently stocked up on any essential medications BEFORE the shops close. The holiday season often means colder weather, so take necessary precautions to keep your pets warm, especially if they spend time outdoors. Little dogs in coats and mittens are adorable, just make sure they are comfortable.

​In conclusion, the holiday season can be both delightful and challenging for our pets. While being overly anxious ultimately helps nobody, a little reasonable mindfulness goes a long way. As with any good safety plan, identifying potential dangers is the natural first step. With one in place, you can relax into the spirit of the season and share your joy with your furry friends. Just don’t get so carried away that you end up ruining the occasion for everyone. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without your beloved animals. They likely feel the same about you.

Your Animal’s Diet Matters!
 
As one of the fundamental conditions needed to sustain life, nutrition drives every aspect of our biological functioning, either fortifying or weakening body and mind. A good diet will fend off illness and disease, ensure that we have enough energy to live a productive life, and toughen our bodies against injury. A poor diet leaves us vulnerable to every kind of physical harm, and can exacerbate, or even cause, mental health disorders, leading to increased levels of depression and anxiety. In other words, food matters. A lot. As humans we have access to a wealth of information on good nutrition, as well as a market saturated with healthy food offerings. Our understanding continues to grow steadily, with new diets and nutritional strategies entering our cultural consciousness on what feels like a daily basis.

​What we sometimes overlook, however, is that proper nutrition is just as important for our pets. Without realizing it, we might subscribe to the idea that our pets will function just as well no matter what they eat—that as long as they’re fed, and protected from allergens and poisons, they’ll be healthy. This simply isn’t true. Animals are complex organisms just as we are. Their age, sex, genetic makeup and evolutionary habits dictate the specific combination of nutrients that are optimal for their health. A pet might be exceptionally well-fed, and cared for in every aspect, and yet be lacking vital sources of nutrition, simply because the owner doesn’t know what they should be providing.

Luckily, we’re increasingly recalibrating our knowledge of human nutrition to meet the specific needs of our pets, acknowledging that every organism has different requirements, and that what works for us might not work for our furry friends. Gone are the days when pets were expected to eat whatever surplus scraps their owners had left after a meal. Now, pet parents are eager to feed their beloved animals well, and to give to significant consideration to their nutritional intake. For this reason, pet health food is a growing market with both big brands and smaller companies diversifying their offerings to appeal to a variety of species, ages and body types. Of course, dogs and cats remain the most catered to demographics in the pet food market, which gives us even more reason to understand their diet; when faced with an abundance of options, we need at least a minimum amount of knowledge to ensure that we make the right choice.

Throughout a continuing series of posts, we’ll be digging into all the available information, and exploring various aspect of your pet’s dietary needs. In this article specifically, we consider the unique nutritional requirements of cats, and cover some of the ways in which you can ensure your favorite feline stays fit and happy. Many of the following tips, however, could apply to any animal you care for. Look out for more posts about pet nutrition, including information specific to our canine companions.

​Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily consisting of animal-based proteins. Cats cannot be vegetarian, and need fatty acids, vitamins and minerals found only in natural tissue. Their nutritional requirements differ significantly from humans and even other pets. Consult your veterinarian to understand the specific dietary needs of your cat based on its breed, age, weight, and any medical conditions they might have. Remember, one of the most dominant myths in the pet care world is that cats love cow's milk. Neither kittens nor adult cats require significant amounts of milk or cream. These dairy products have no useful place within a cat’s nutritional system and often cause digestion problems.

​Protein is the foundation of your cat's diet. Look for cat foods with meat or fish listed as the primary ingredient. These proteins provide essential amino acids that support muscle maintenance, organ function, and overall energy levels. Unlike humans, who enjoy variety in what they eat, pets in general can find it difficult digesting foods they aren’t accustomed to. Sticking with a single kind of protein can help avoid gastrointestinal problems.

​A balanced diet includes not only protein but also fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Too much or too little of any nutrient can lead to health issues. Consult with your vet to determine the optimal nutrient ratio for your cat's age and activity level. These days, you may come across “prescription foods”, dishes that are specifically tailored to help treat a specific condition. While, these foods can only be purchased through a veterinarian, they rarely contain any actual medicine and are not prescriptions in the usual sense of the word. There is some debate over prescription pet food, as it is often considerably more expensive than normal pet food, and its overall benefits have been contested by a number of studies. Make sure you’re working with a veterinarian you trust, and always check the label before you shell out cash for a product that may well be no better than what you usually buy from your local pet store.

​Cats often have a low thirst drive, which can lead to dehydration, especially if they're on a dry kibble diet. Always provide fresh water and consider incorporating wet cat food into their diet. The moisture content helps maintain their hydration levels. This becomes especially important when you live in a hot climate, or during unexpected heat waves. It also pays to learn the signs of dehydration in your cat, so that you can catch the problem early on and hydrate accordingly.

​Obesity is a growing concern among cats, leading to various health problems like diabetes and joint issues. Follow feeding guidelines on the cat food packaging and adjust portions based on your cat's activity level and weight. Regularly monitor their weight and consult the vet if necessary. Generally, an adult domestic cat eats little and often, anywhere from 12 – 24 small meals over the course of a 24-hour period, which they spread relatively evenly across both daylight and night time hours. If your cat is free to roam and visit other houses, consider politely asking you neighbors to refrain from giving out treats.

​Some human foods are toxic to cats and should be strictly avoided. These include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Make sure to keep these substances out of your cat's reach. A less obvious danger can come from the kinds of trendy “raw diets” that have popped up over the past few years. As with prescription food, there is some debate over the safety and effectiveness of such diets, but whatever your final opinion, you should be careful any time you provide raw meat, as the risk for bacterial infection is considerably higher. Make sure any raw products you provide for your pet have been safely stored in a freezer.

​Kittens, adult cats, and senior cats have different nutritional requirements. Kittens need more calories and nutrients to support their growth, while senior cats might need diets that support joint health and manage age-related issues. Again, this is a case of doing a little research and consulting your vet. Remember, nobody knows your cat like you.

​While treats can be a way to bond with your cat, excessive treats can lead to nutritional imbalances. Choose high-quality cat treats and use them sparingly, preferably as rewards for training or special occasions. Try to resist feeding your pet from your dinner plate. It is difficult to resist pleading kitty-cat eyes, but encouraging random feeding can have a detrimental effect on your portion control strategy.

​Some cats may develop food allergies or sensitivities over time. If you notice signs like gastrointestinal upset, skin problems, or excessive scratching, consult your vet to explore potential allergies and adjust their diet accordingly. 

​If you're switching your cat's diet, do it gradually to avoid digestive upset. Mix the new food with the old one over several days until your cat is fully accustomed to the change.

​Caring for your cat's diet is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. Each cat has unique needs, and so careful research, observation and the professional expertise of your veterinarian should be your primary tools. Don’t assume your cat is like every other. Be attentive to how they react to certain foods, and make sure that they’re getting the right amount of each specific nutrient--protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins. Consider keeping a notebook or planner in which to track the foods you provide, and record any observations you make about your cat's responses to various dishes. Remember to share your nutritional strategy with your cat's other caretakers, so that they can maintain the consistency of your approach. ​A good diet will not completely protect your beloved pet from sickness and injury, but by making an effort, you ensure you have done everything possible to give your cat the life it deserves.

At PAWS/LA it’s our mission to help support our clients with the financial and organizational challenges of pet ownership. Those we work with share an indelible bond with their pets and are committed to offering them the best possible life. The worst possible case is that somebody with this level of dedication and commitment would be forced to part with their companion animal due to difficulties that are beyond their control. We make sure these pet owners can meet their own high standards of pet ownership.

​But it’s not always easy—even if you don’t face financial hardship or physical limitations.
 
Responsible pet ownership goes beyond providing food, shelter, and veterinary care; it encompasses a commitment to their well-being, behavior training, and environmental impact. In this blog post, we will delve into the core principles of responsible pet ownership, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help you become the kind of pet parent we see our clients, volunteers and other members of the PAWS/LA family try to be.

​The foundation of responsible pet ownership lies in meeting your pet's basic needs. These include proper nutrition, access to clean water, a safe and comfortable living environment, and regular veterinary care. Ensure you provide a balanced and appropriate diet based on your pet's species, age, and health requirements. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments will keep your pet healthy and protect them from diseases.
 
Create a safe and secure environment for your pet by pet-proofing your home, removing hazards, and providing appropriate containment if necessary. Provide a cozy bed, toys for mental stimulation, and a designated area for them to retreat to when they need space. Regular grooming and hygiene practices, such as bathing and nail trimming, are essential to maintain your pet's well-being.

​Responsible pet ownership involves investing time and effort in behavioral training. Proper training not only enhances your pet's quality of life but also promotes a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. Start with basic obedience training, including commands like sit, stay, and come. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work wonders in encouraging desired behavior.
 
Socialization is vital for pets to develop good manners and interact well with other animals and people. Gradually introduce your pet to new experiences, environments, and individuals, ensuring positive interactions throughout the process. Training should also address common behavioral issues like excessive barking, chewing, or aggression. Seek professional help if needed, as behavior problems can often be addressed effectively with guidance from a qualified trainer or behaviorist.

​Pets require regular exercise and mental stimulation to lead healthy and happy lives. Dogs, for instance, need daily walks, playtime, and opportunities for socializing with other dogs. Cats, on the other hand, benefit from interactive toys, scratching posts, and vertical spaces for climbing. Enrichment activities like puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, and training sessions engage your pet's mind and prevent boredom.
 
Consider your pet's specific needs and energy levels when designing an exercise routine. Engaging in activities together not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also promotes their overall well-being. Remember, a tired pet is often a well-behaved pet!

​Responsible pet ownership extends beyond the confines of your home. Consider the environmental impact of your pet and take steps to minimize it. Dispose of pet waste properly, preferably in designated areas or with biodegradable bags. Clean up after your pet during walks to ensure cleanliness and prevent the spread of diseases.
 
Choose eco-friendly pet products, including biodegradable poop bags, natural grooming supplies, and sustainable pet toys. Opt for eco-conscious pet food brands that use sustainable sourcing practices and packaging.

​Being a responsible pet owner entails more than just providing the essentials; it requires dedication, patience, and a genuine love for your pet. By meeting their basic needs, investing in training, providing stimulation, and considering the environmental impact, you can ensure your pet leads a happy and healthy life. Responsible pet ownership not only benefits your furry companion but also fosters a more compassionate and sustainable society. So, embrace the responsibilities of pet ownership and cherish the incredible bond you share with your beloved pet.