While you might love holiday chocolates and a big slice of ham, you’re new furry friend shouldn’t have either.
Whether it’s a puppy or kitten that you got for Christmas, or a family pet that you’ve had for years, keep it safe this holiday season by following some simple guidelines from Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas.
“Pets can run away on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve,” said RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. “There’s a lot of noise, guests come and go, and there are plenty of opportunities for pets to do a ‘door dash.’ Pets just want to be safe. A frightened pet can easily slip out the door and run down the street. When they get out, they’re in unfamiliar territory, so they keep running until they’re lost. Keep them inside. Keep them safe.”
Tips to keep your pets safe (and home) this holiday season include:
* Provide them with a crate or other safe place away from the festivities.
* Make sure they have pet food and water….and NO table food.
* Remind your guests NOT to feed your pets. (Really. I mean it.)
* No alcohol.
* Keep pets away from the tree, packages, flames and holiday decorations.
* Even during the party, dogs need “potty breaks.”
* Don’t put them in the yard and forget about them.
* Watch out for “door dashing” as guests come and go.
* If you’re going out on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, leave the TV or radio on.
* Make sure your pet is micro-chipped, and the registration is up to date.
* Ask before taking your pet along to someone else’s house.
Families getting puppies or kittens for Christmas should get them into a routine with consistent behavior. Van Zante said holiday activities can jeopardize training. “Your guests will be there for a few hours, but your kitten or puppy will be with you for many years. Ignoring your pet’s routine or allowing guests to teach it bad habits can change the rest of its (and your) life. Keep your best friends … animal and human … safe this holiday season.”
Rancho Coastal Humane Society will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, then open during the holiday weekends.
For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St., Encinitas, call RCHS at 760-753-6413, or log on to www.sdpets.org.
