The holidays are a wondrous time of togetherness, food, festivities, and so much love. Good memories are made when we gather together and share the bounties of the year. Then we get to look ahead to a wonderful New Year. 

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we are all about making this time of year one of wonder and safety for our pet companions. That’s why we put together this list of helpful tips you can use this season, and throughout the year.

Don’t Be a Grinch: Keep Your Pet Entertained

We know the next few weeks can be so busy that it can have your head spinning, so it’s easy to forget the exercise and enrichment needs of our little ones. To keep a focus on your pets, here are some things to consider:

• Try a festive stroll through a new neighborhood to look at lights
• Purchase holiday themed toys and plush animals for your buddies
• Make some DIY dog and cat treats (and they can be wholesome, too)
• Put on your favorite holiday tunes and shake your booty – get your pet involved by hopping around and making a game of it
• Take some time to teach your cat or dog tricks you can impress your in-laws with
• Snuggle together on the couch while watching holiday movies and classics

Decor Disasters: Remember to Keep Them Safe

There are a few things to be aware of that can pose risks to pets. We know the dangers are not as fun as the dancing, but bear with us. This is a quick list of all things to remove or put in a place your pet can’t reach.

• Toxic plants (check out the full list via ASPCA)
• Toxic food: chocolate, Xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, grapes, raisins, etc.
• Tinsel and curling string (big danger, if ingested)
• Glass ornaments
• Edible ornaments, gift baskets containing food
• Small toys and decorations (that can be ingested)

Remember that your pet will be fascinated with small things they can put in their mouths but shouldn’t. It can be a drag to put these things out of reach, but better safe than the drag it will be having to go to the animal emergency hospital.

Don’t forget about the little critters, like rabbits, reptiles, and small mammals that can chew on light strings and get electricuted.

Over the Hill and Through the Woods…

It’s fun to bring pets along to visit relatives over the holiday season, but there are ways to make the merriment safer and more comfortable for them. To make the pet travel a friendly one:

• Make sure they are fully vaccinated and on parasite prevention.
• Are they travel ready (healthy and able to make the trek)?
• Use a crate, carrier, or other secure option for the car.
• If you are traveling by air, contact the airline for specific pet requirements.
• Always bring water in the car and a collapsible bowl for your pet.
• Pack all the essentials (food, litter box, waste bags, collar, leash, ID tags, toys, etc.).
• Make plans that include your pet, like pet friendly cafes and patios, parks, and malls.

We hope these ideas help get you inspired to make the best of the holidays with your furry one. If we can offer any more suggestions, or if you would like to make an appointment, please call us!

Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

The post Happy, Hairy, Hoppy Holidays: Creating a Magical Season for Your Pets appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Independence Day is a beloved celebration for so many Americans. Sadly, the noise, crowds, and festivities can be scary – or even dangerous – for our pets. In fact, it’s rare to find a pet that doesn’t react to fireworks or noisy, crowded events by hiding, trembling, becoming destructive, or worse, fleeing the situation in an attempt to escape the source of their anxiety and fear.

Whether you are enjoying the holiday with fireworks, a party, or both, your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital are here to help you create a pet-safe July 4th!

First Things First

The day after July 4th is the busiest of the year for animal shelters. With so many pets trying, and succeeding, to escape their homes during a fireworks display, it’s worth being prepared in advance.

• Make sure both dogs and cats are wearing collars with up-to-date ID tags.
• If you haven’t had your pet microchipped yet, do so now! Collars and tags can come off, and microchipping is your pet’s best chance of being reunited with you should they become lost.
• Be sure that you have registered your pet’s microchip with your current contact information. Update that info now, if you haven’t since your last move.
• Take photos of your pets, just in case.

Pet-Safe July 4th

Just because you share a home with a scaredy-cat (or dog) doesn’t mean that your festivities should be off limits. The following tips can help you and your pet enjoy the holiday as much as possible.

Keep pets indoors – Make sure pets are inside during a fireworks display, and don’t bring them to public 4th of July events. The crowds and noises can be very frightening to even the most docile pets, and the risks of aggression and escape are high.

Create a safe place – Close doors and windows ahead of a fireworks display. Crate-trained pets might feel safer inside their crates, while others prefer to roam freely throughout the house. If you’re having a party or your pet is prone to destructive behavior, set up a “safe room” for them, furnished with their bedding, toys, water, and a fan or radio to drown out noise.

Reduce anxiety – Exercise your pet ahead of the festivities to tire them out and reduce nervous energy. Stay near an anxious pet to offer verbal and physical reassurance. Many pet owners have found success with a pressure-based anxiety garment like the Thundershirt. 

Party safety – Even social pets can fall victim to food poisoning or intestinal obstruction at a party or barbecue. Keep all food away from pets, keep alcoholic beverages out of reach, throw trash away in a covered bin immediately, and put leftovers away as soon as you’re done eating. Keep sparklers and glow sticks away from pets, and make sure they are not near the grill while it’s in use.

For more pet-safe 4th of July tips, or for any other questions regarding your pet, don’t hesitate to contact the staff at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

The post Celebrate Safely: How to Have a Pet-Safe July 4th appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.