It’s just days before Christmas, and you’re so busy with last-minute shopping, visiting friends and attending parties that you’re hardly at home. To ease guilt about not spending more time with your dog, stuff low-fat peanut butter or other treats inside toys such as a Kong, Orbee-Tuff Ball or Busy Buddy to keep her occupied.
Other tips:
- Some pets thrive on extra attention from holidayvisitors, but not all pets are social butterflies. Respect their right to be bashful.
- When you receive gifts, remove any ribbon and tinsel before displaying them. They’re enticing to your cat, in particular, and you don’t want him in surgery on Christmas Day.
- Many people add substances such as sugar, fertilizers or commercial preservatives to the water at the base of a Christmas tree that can harm pets if they lap it up. Arrange a skirt around the tree stand to prevent drinking.
- Don’t leave chocolate out for Santa. It’s dangerous for your pets (and Santa doesn’t need the extra calories).
- Include all family members in the big day. Pets, too, appreciate gifts!
Source: USA Weekend