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Category: Cat Tips

  • Soft vs. Hard-Sided Carriers: Which One Makes Vet Trips Easier?

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    If you’ve ever tried getting a nervous cat or squirmy little dog into a carrier before a vet visit, you know—it’s not always graceful. Between the panicked flailing, the sudden disappearance under the bed, and the “Nope, not today” energy they bring, the right carrier can make a huge difference in how smooth (or not) the whole experience is. That’s why so many pet owners wonder: should I go with a soft-sided carrier or a hard plastic one?

    Soft-sided carriers are lightweight, easy to carry, and a lot more flexible—which makes squeezing them into car seats, vet office corners, or under waiting room chairs way easier. Many of them unzip on multiple sides or have top-loading options, which is a total win when you’re trying to gently ease in a less-than-willing pet. Plus, they’re often more comfortable inside, with soft padding and breathable mesh windows that make the ride a little less stressful for your pet.

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    Hard-sided carriers, on the other hand, are all about sturdiness. They hold their shape no matter what and offer a little more protection if your pet’s a thrasher or tends to panic in transit. They’re also easier to clean—one quick wipe-down and you’re good to go, which is handy if your pet has an accident or gets carsick. Some have secure latches instead of zippers, which can give extra peace of mind if you’ve got an escape artist.

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    So which one’s better? If your pet is relatively calm and you value convenience and comfort (especially if you’re the one lugging it around), a soft-sided carrier is probably the way to go. But if your dog or cat tends to freak out, tries to claw or chew their way out, or just needs a little more containment, a hard-sided carrier might be the safer bet.

    At the end of the day, it really depends on your pet’s temperament—and how much stress you’re both willing to deal with during vet days. Either way, the right carrier makes all the difference in turning the pre-vet scramble into a smoother, less dramatic process. 🐾

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

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    Owning a pet is a big responsibility, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your cute and cuddly kitten is going to grow up into a cat that may prefer to spend time outdoors (rather than beside you on the couch). Your little puppy may become over fifty pounds, so it isn’t going to be cute when he jumps on you at that size. In fact, he could seriously hurt you!

    There are many decisions that you may be facing as a new pet owner. You will need to decide which vaccines you want your new pet to have. You may also be trying to determine if you want to get your pet spayed or neutered.

    If you are one of those owners who aren’t sure about what to do, here are some reasons why you may want to think about getting your pet spayed or neutered.

    Responsible

    Spaying and neutering your pet is the responsible thing to do. It will stop adding to the unwanted animal population.

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    That being said, you should talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering cats of either sex around six months of age.

    However, with dogs, more veterinarians are waiting until they are a little older. This is even more true with bigger breeds. Veterinarians agree that you should wait until your large breed male dog is over a year old (unless he starts exhibiting destructive behaviors). For females, some recommend spaying prior to heat, while others recommend letting them go through at least one heat cycle.

    Keeps your pet home

    The simple truth is that male animals are driven to find females that are in heat. If your male cat or dog gets out, he will likely roam until he finds what he is looking for. In fact, this is one of the reasons why males get lost. They are too busy chasing a female that they get lost and can’t find their way back to their owners.

    And safe

    Male dogs and cats are more likely to get hit by cars because they are too busy focusing on the scent of a female in heat.

    Healthier

    Spaying and neutering early can prevent many diseases. Neutering will prevent testicular cancer and prostate diseases. Spaying early will prevent breast tumors. With every heat cycle that a female has, she is more likely to get mammary cancer.

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    Unspayed females can also get a pyometra. This nasty disease, which is an infected uterus, can kill your dog, if left untreated. The only way to fix the problem is to spay your dog. However, by this point, your dog is sick, so the surgery is riskier than a routine spay. This is just one more reason why you need to consider spaying your dog before anything happens!

    Less behavioral problems

    Spaying and neutering pets can help reduce certain unwanted behaviors. This may include males who like to mark their territory. Males are also less likely to hump your leg. Neutering early can also help you avoid any aggressive behaviors.

    Though you may be struggling with the decision on whether you should spay or neuter your dog, you really should consider it, unless you decide to breed your pet. It is the responsible thing to do. It also helps to keep your pets home. They will be less likely to roam the neighborhood, looking for a mate.

    It is also healthier. You won’t have to worry about testicular cancer or prostate problems in your male dog. If you have a female, you won’t have to worry about pyometras and spaying her when she isn’t feeling well! It can also help prevent behavior problems before they start.

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Easy Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Moving (Without Fancy Gear)

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    If your cat prefers couch potato mode over playtime, you’re definitely not the only one. Indoor cats can be expert loungers, but staying active is important for their health—and honestly, for their mood, too. A bored kitty can turn into a mischievous one fast (ask me how I know), and if you’ve ever been woken up by 3 a.m. zoomies, you know the struggle is real.

    So, what can you try if your cat is driving you nuts?

    The crinkle tunnel can be a game-changer. I don’t know what magic is in that crunchy fabric, but even the laziest cat goes full ninja when I set it up. It’s great for solo play or hiding mid-zoom.

    Product Available on Amazon

    There are also automatic laser toys. They are ideal for those moments when your cat wants to play, but you’re in the middle of cooking or working. Just turn it on and let it do the entertaining.

    Product Available on Amazon

    And for some quick quality time, teaser wands (especially the feather or ribbon kinds) are awesome for getting your cat to leap, twist, and chase.

    Product Available on Amazon

    The best part? These are all small, affordable toys that you can rotate in and out to keep things fresh. A little variety goes a long way when you’ve got a smart cat who figures things out fast.

    So if your indoor cat’s been acting bored or packing on a few extra pounds, try switching up their routine with a few fun toys. You don’t need anything fancy—just something to spark their natural hunting instincts and get those paws moving!

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • What You Need to Know About Intestinal Worms

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    When you hear the word intestinal parasites or even worms, you may be feeling a bit squeamish. However, it is important to know and understand them a little more, especially if you have pets (and children). Your dog or cat can get worms, which may be passed onto you and your family.

    So, how can my pet get intestinal parasites?

    Getting intestinal parasites is easier than you think. Your dog or cat needs to come into contact with these parasites, and then they will have them. They can do this in several ways, including:

    • Swallowing fleas while they are grooming themselves.
    • Ingesting water or soil that has been contaminated with the worms (or even feces that had the worms in it).
    • Eating prey that has intestinal parasites.
    • Swallowing the eggs of these parasites that were brought into the home by you and your other pets.

    What are some signs that your dog or cat may be exhibiting if he or she has intestinal parasites?

    • Vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood
    • Blood loss
    • Malnutrition
    • Weight loss
    • And even death!

    What can you do to prevent intestinal parasites?

    So, what can you do to keep your pets and family safe? Here are some things that you should do on a regular basis.

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    You should deworm all new puppies and kittens. 

    Puppies and kittens are born with worms, so it is important to make sure that you deworm them multiple times when they are young.

    You should do the same with any new pets that you get. 

    If you don’t know the history of your new pet, you should deworm him or her a few times to make sure that your pet is worm free.

    It also helps to deworm your pets regularly. 

    Any dogs that spend time outside should be dewormed regularly. Cats who hunt are also at risk, so you should be deworming them multiple times a year.

    You also need to practice good hygiene. 

    You should always wash your hands after playing with your animals, as well as whenever you come inside.

    Not only that, but you can also do this by cleaning up your dog’s stool regularly. 

    If you pick up after your dog when he or she goes to the bathroom, even if there are worms, it is less likely to transfer into the ground where your dog or cat could get reinfected.

    There are many different options for pooper scoopers on the market. Check out this one that is available on Amazon, which also comes with baggies to help you clean up after your dog.

    Product Available on Amazon

    You should also watch your children. 

    You shouldn’t allow them to play where your dogs and cats go to the bathroom. If you have a lot of wildlife around, keep your children away from areas where they spend a lot of time.

    Whether you have cats or not, you should always cover up your children’s sandboxes. 

    These are often seen as litter boxes for any cat. By covering them up, they are less likely to be touching areas where any cats had defecated.

    You should also make sure that everyone wears shoes. 

    Though you may love to walk around barefoot, you should always wear shoes outside. You never know what ground could be contaminated with worms.

    That being said, you should also avoid sitting and lying on the ground. 

    You should always bring a blanket or chair to sit in to avoid sitting directly on the contaminated soil.

    It is also important that you don’t drink water from streams or other contaminated water sources. 

    You should carry bottled water with you, wherever you go so that you don’t have to even think about drinking water that could carry worms in it.

    If you have pets, you need to keep them on flea and tick prevention all year round. 

    Fleas are known to carry tapeworms, so the best way to avoid that is by treating your pets all year round.

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    Let’s face it. Intestinal parasites and worms are gross. For this reason, you should always deworm any new puppies and kittens. You also should deworm any new to you pets. If your cat is a hunter, you should deworm them routinely, so that your family is safe.

    You also need to think about what you and your family do. You shouldn’t let your children play in the dirt where infected feces may be. Cover up the sandbox since it looks like a giant litter box to cats. You also need to make sure that everyone washes their hands regularly and wears shoes.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases That Can Be Passed Between Animals and People

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    Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be passed from animals to people (and back and forth). The most common one is Rabies, though we don’t see that disease much anymore, which is a good thing.

    However, many other diseases can be passed from one to another. Some that you need to know about include:

    Rabies. 

    This is a life-threatening disease that can be passed from many different animals to people. Unfortunately, most people who get rabies and don’t get treated right away end up dying. For this reason, it is important to keep your pets vaccinated for this preventable disease. In many states, it is legally required.

    Leptospirosis. 

    Though this disease isn’t prevalent, it has become more common over the past few years. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium and is passed through the urine of infected animals. It is passed by wildlife and through both running and standing water, where infected wildlife pass by. It can cause liver and kidney failure in all animals and humans.

    Intestinal parasites. 

    Dogs and cats can pass any worms onto a human, especially those who handle them regularly. They can pass roundworms, hookworms, and even tapeworms through their stools. It is more common in children, older people, and those who are immunodeficient.

    Giardia infection. 

    Like intestinal parasites, Giardia is passed through feces. It is an organism that comes from infected water. It can also live in the soil and feces after ingestion. Not only that, but it causes digestive problems, including diarrhea.

    Lyme disease. 

    Lyme disease can be quite severe in both humans and dogs. A tick bite passes it and can affect someone for years. Some of the most common signs include fever, pain, and joint inflammation. If left untreated, it can start to affect vital organs like your kidneys and heart.

    Scabies and other mites. 

    Our dogs and cats who are outside can pick up scabies and other mites, and then pass them on to the humans who want to cuddle up with them. This can be pretty itchy and irritating to the skin of anyone who comes in contact with the mites.

    Because you aren’t going to want to worry about your children and your pets with these diseases, you have to do a few things to protect everyone.

    Clean up your dog’s stool in the yard. 

    Not only is it disgusting to walk through a yard full of poop, but it can also be unhealthy. The longer that the stools stay in the yard, the more likely it is that the intestinal parasites can move into the ground and continue to infect your pets repeatedly.

    Please wash your hands after handling your animals and their stools. 

    Good hygiene is essential to keep everyone as healthy as possible. So, make sure that you wash your hands often when you are handling your pets. You also need to wash your hands after you clean out the yard and the litter pan

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    Wear gloves when working outside in the dirt. 

    Since the soil can be infected by stool, you shouldn’t garden or work in the dirt without gloves. Even when wearing them, you should wash your hands after you are finished. You could pick something up from a stray animal that wanders through your yard.

    Vaccinate your pet. 

    You should vaccinate your dog and cat to protect them. However, if he or she has a Leptospirosis and a Rabies vaccine, you are less likely to get the disease.

    You also want to keep them on preventatives. 

    Your dogs and cats should be on flea and tick protection to help keep fleas and ticks out of your home (and on you). These preventatives can also help with mites. You should also deworm your pets routinely to ensure that they don’t get any intestinal parasites that they could pass on to you.

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    Though zoonotic diseases can be scary, they don’t have to be. You can easily keep your pet (and your family) safe, just with a few easy things. You should always wash your hands and wear gloves when handling dirt and stool. Likewise, you should also make sure that your dogs and cats are vaccinated against the diseases that can easily be prevented.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Lost in the Litter Aisle? Let’s Break It Down

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    Now that you have chosen the perfect litter box, it is time to think about the litter that you put in the box!

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever stood in the pet store staring at a wall of cat litter, totally overwhelmed. Clumping, non-clumping, clay, crystal, pine, tofu (yes, tofu!)—who knew cat litter could be so complicated?

    I’ve tried more types than I care to admit, and here’s what I’ve figured out: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to your cat’s preferences, your cleaning habits, and maybe your tolerance for smells (or dust).

    Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types to help you make sense of it all:

    Clumping Clay Litter
    Clumping litter is the classic. It forms solid clumps when wet, which makes scooping a breeze. Great for controlling odor, but it can be dusty—and heavier than other types.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Non-Clumping Clay
    This litter is less expensive, but you’ll need to change the whole box more often. Not ideal if you want easy daily maintenance, but it can work in a pinch.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Crystal (Silica) Litter
     These little beads absorb moisture and odors really well and last longer between changes. They’re low-dust and low-maintenance, though some cats don’t love the texture.

    Product available on Amazon

    Natural Litter (Pine, Corn, Wheat, etc.)
    These types of litter are made from plants and biodegradable materials. They are great if you want something eco-friendly. Some clump, some don’t, and they often have a natural scent (which your cat may or may not appreciate).

    Product Available on Amazon

    Tofu Litter
     Yup, it’s a thing—and surprisingly good. It’s biodegradable, clumps well, and has low dust. Plus, it’s flushable in small amounts (check your plumbing first!).

    Product Available on Amazon

    So, which one’s the best? Honestly—it depends! Some cats are super picky about texture or scent, so you might need to experiment a little. I always recommend starting with what works best for you (scooping schedule, budget, etc.), then adjusting based on your cat’s feedback.

    Trying to find your perfect litter match? Don’t be afraid to test a few out. Your cat will have strong opinions—and probably let you know pretty quickly.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  • How to Calm a Stressed Cat Without Medication

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    If your usually sweet cat has suddenly turned into a couch-destroying, fight-picking, shadow-hiding ball of nerves… you’re not alone. Cats are notoriously sensitive to change. Something as small as rearranging furniture, switching up your schedule, or adding a new pet (or person) to the mix can throw their world off balance.

    While some cats adjust quickly, others express their stress in ways that aren’t so subtle—scratching furniture, spraying, hiding, or even swatting at other pets. It’s frustrating to deal with, but they are just trying to tell you something.

    That’s where Feliway can make a big difference.

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    Feliway is a calming product made just for cats. It mimics the natural pheromones that cats release when they feel safe, secure, and content. These pheromones are kind of like invisible “comfort signals” that help them relax. When your cat rubs their cheeks on you or their favorite spot? That’s them spreading those feel-good vibes.

    Feliway comes in a plug-in diffuser or spray, so it’s super easy to use. Just plug it into the room where your cat spends the most time, or spray their favorite nap zone, carrier, or scratching post. It’s scentless to humans, but your cat picks up the calming message—and most start to feel more relaxed in just a few days.

    One of the best parts? It’s drug-free. No sedatives, no pills to sneak into treats, no worrying about side effects. Feliway works with your cat’s natural behavior to create a more peaceful environment. Many vets recommend it for stress-related issues like:

    • Hiding or isolating
    • Inter-cat aggression
    • Over-grooming
    • Scratching or spraying
    • Changes in routine, visitors, or moving house

    While Feliway isn’t a magic fix for every behavior issue, it can be a game-changer for stressed-out cats who need help feeling safe again. You might not see results overnight, but with consistent use, many pet parents report happier, calmer cats and less drama at home.

    So if your cat has been acting a little “off” lately, or if you’re dealing with a stressful transition, Feliway could be the low-effort solution that brings a little more harmony back into your home—and keeps your couch scratch-free, too.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Snow

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    As the forecast changes regularly, bringing with it more cold and winter weather, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety. This includes yourself, your family, and your pets! Everyone deserves to be warm and comfortable, no matter the weather. 

    Here are some tips to keep your pets safe in the snow. 

    Keep your pets inside as much as possible. 

    Just like you don’t want to be outside, your pets won’t want to be, either. Keep them inside except to use the bathroom and maybe play for a few minutes. Don’t overdo it.

    You may want to get a coat or sweater for your pet. 

    If your pet has really short hair and shivers as soon as he or she goes outside, you may want to bundle him or her up in a coat or sweater.

    Amazon has a lot of coats, like this one, that would keep your beloved dog warm all winter long!

    Product Available on Amazon

    Dog boots can also be helpful. 

    Not only can the snow be harsh on your dog’s feet, but salt and other chemicals that are used to melt ice and snow can be hard on them, too! You should wipe your dog’s feet off as soon as they come in. Another option is to buy dog boots.

    Amazon has a lot of dog booties, like these, that would keep your beloved dog’s feet warm all winter long!

    Product Available on Amazon

    If you have outdoor dogs and cats, make sure that they have shelter. 

    They are going to need a dry place to hide from the weather, so make sure that they have a dry, draft-free shelter to spend time in. It is even better if the house is big enough for them to move around in, yet small enough to keep the heat in!

    Make sure that your pets have enough food and water to stay warm in the cold weather. 

    Your outside pets may need some extra food to help them get through the winter. Water is also important, so make sure that you change the water regularly so they get enough fresh water that is not frozen.

    Antifreeze can kill animals. 

    If you notice that your car is leaking anything, get it taken care of right away.

    You also need to check your vehicles before leaving. Many cats and small animals will seek the warmth of your car. You could easily start your car, drive away, and kill the animal before you get too far!

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    Just like you get cold when you go outside, your pets do too. They don’t want to be out in the weather any more than you do. For this reason, you need to keep your outside time limited. You may want to buy a sweater and boots to keep your pets safe when they are outside. For animals that live outside, make sure that they have a draft-free shelter and plenty of food and water!

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Introduce Your Cat to A New One! 

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    There may come a time when you want to add another cat to your household. Whether you found a tiny kitten that you want to bring home or you found one that you couldn’t resist at the shelter, the truth is that the real work begins now!

    How do you introduce your cat to another cat? Here are some tips to help.

    It is essential to proceed slowly during this process. 

    If you go too fast and try to hurry the steps, you may have to start all over again!

    Choose the right cats. 

    It is essential to choose a cat that is similar to your own. This will make the whole transition easier!

    If you want to read more, you can check out another article of mine, Will My Cat Get Along with Another? You can read it right here.

    Give each cat its own space. 

    You need to start by keeping your cats separated. Each cat should have their own food, water, and litter box. You should give each cat a few days to learn where their own space is before you let them out together.

    It may also help to give them each something that smells like the other. 

    Many people do this when they bring home a new baby, but it also works on cats. Give each other a towel or blanket with a new smell, so they can get used to it.

    Then, you can let each cat explore the other cat’s space (without them in it). 

    You should put each cat in the other’s space for a while. You may do this for a few hours or an entire day.

    Then, you can let the cats meet through the door or a baby gate. 

    This will introduce them to each other safely. They will be able to smell each other and gauge their feelings for one another. If you notice that your cat is stressed, you may want to take a step back or two.

    When you don’t notice any signs of stress between the cats when they have a door in between them, it is time to move on to the next step. 

    It’s time to let your cats meet each other. It is normal to experience some hissing or growling initially. Then, they should settle down as they start to get used to each other.

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    You may allow your cats to see each other for a few minutes at a time, several times a day. This is NOT the time to let them together for hours at a time.

    Then, it is time to open the door! 

    Once your cats can stand a few minutes of interaction, it’s time to see how well they will do when there’s nothing between them.

    During this time, you should be there and watch their body language. If you notice that your cats look stressed or wound up, it may not be the right time to introduce your cats. You may want to try again tomorrow.

    Once your cats can spend short periods of time together, you can start to increase the time. 

    After a certain amount of time, you may be able to leave them alone together, without having to worry.

    When introducing new cats, you must go slowly. You may also need to take a step back if one of your cats seems to get upset. That being said, you also need to wait until both cats are doing well before you go to the next step.

    You may also want to try Feliway, a drug-free solution for stressed cats. It is a diffuser that emits pheromones to help calm your cat. It is available on Amazon.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Avoiding Pet Emergencies Over the Holidays

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    The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year. Many people love to decorate their homes, both inside and outside, as well as bake wonderful treats, and spend extra time with family.

    Even better, you can enjoy this time with your beloved pets by your side. However, this can also be a dangerous time for them, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you avoid any emergencies over the holiday season.

    You must be careful with your Christmas tree. 

    Though your tree might be the centerpiece of your decorating, the truth is that they aren’t always the best for your pets.

    Playful puppies and kittens have been known to knock over a perfectly decorated Christmas tree, simply because it is in the way! They can also get caught in the cord of lights, which may make them fall over, too. Some curious cats and dogs will bite the cord, which can lead to burns.

    The decorations themselves can be hard to keep your pets away from. 

    Many cats are drawn to tinsel; you may notice your cat wants to eat it! This can cause an obstruction or perforation, which could lead to emergency surgery. They may also play with dangling ornaments, batting at them until they fall off and break.

    For this reason, you may want to put something around your tree to keep your beloved pets away from it completely!

    Many Christmas and holiday plants are toxic to pets. 

    Many people love to give plants as gifts, which isn’t always a good thing if you own pets. One of the most common plants that are toxic to cats includes lilies. Even if they only eat a small amount, it can send your cat to the emergency room.

    Other plants to avoid would include mistletoe, balsam, pine, holly, and Christmas cacti. Poinsettia plants, while not toxic, can cause drooling and vomiting, so you may want to avoid them also.

    Watch table scraps. 

    Many people seem to eat from Thanksgiving to Christmas, going from party to party. They may also have parties in their home, where some guests may feed their pets without realizing the consequences of their actions.

    Some of the main foods to avoid include chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, certain nuts, and any foods that contain xylitol. Your pets should also stay away from alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

    Many people want to give their pets a treat over the holidays and may give them some trimming and side dishes. These dishes may contain more fat than your pet is used to, which can lead to some serious conditions, such as pancreatitis.

    If you have a nervous dog and are having a party, you may want to keep him or her locked away from guests. 

    Even the calmest dog and cat can become overwhelmed by a houseful of guests, so it is important that your pet has a way to get away from everyone!

    You may want to set up a space in the back for your pets to relax. Make it special by adding their bed with their favorite blankets. You may want to give them a new toy or a chew bone that will occupy them while everything else is going on. Some even do better if you leave music on, so that they don’t hear everything that is going on outside!

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    The holidays can be a great time for everyone, including your pets. That being said, you need to use caution with your Christmas tree and the plants you use to decorate it. Lilies are the worst for cats, so they should be avoided at all costs! You also need to keep your pets away from all the food that you may be eating over the holidays. A lot of it is too fatty for their taste, and it could cause some problems. Some parties are also too much for pets, so you may want to set up an area for them to relax and avoid it all!

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.