Likely a touch naughty but hopefully more nice, your pets – whether they know it or not – are gearing up for a visit from Santa Paws. From holiday treats to festive toys to advent calendars, Dave Terranova and his crew at Paws N’ Claws are ready to make your furry friend’s Christmas dreams come true.
“We find that pets – dogs or cats – like to open their own stockings and find surprise gifts on Christmas day just like we do, just like our kids do,” says Dave. “Whether it be a dog treat or a cat toy, they also enjoy being surprised with a new gift.”
While there is boundless excitement about holiday festivities, there are also inherent dangers during this season of magic. Christmas trees – as beautiful as they are – can be quite interesting and ultimately pose a threat to your pet. Dangling tinsel, yarn and string often spark curiosity in the feline world, while cute yet chewable ornaments hanging from lower branches can become a fun way to pass the time for your pup who likes to chew – consider hanging these items on higher branches out of reach. Also chew-worthy in the canine world can be electrical cords, which can impose the threat of electric shock or worse, so make sure to keep those cords concealed and out of chewable reach. Tethering your Christmas tree is also a good idea when you have cats who can climb and pups who can jump, to prevent potential injury, or at least frustration, from a toppling tree. And for those with a puppy who is into everything, utilizing play pens to block off the tree can also be a helpful option to keep everyone safe – and sane – during the holiday season.
Beautiful pine trees are not the only type of holiday flora making an appearance in many homes this season – so too are traditional plants like mistletoe, holly and poinsettias. Mistletoe and holly are toxic to dogs, and while poinsettias are not toxic, if ingested, they can cause oral irritation, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Also unsafe for pets to ingest are some of the common holiday foods that humans tend to enjoy. Chocolate, raisins and grapes, macadamia nuts, coffee and caffeine, citrus fruits, coconut and coconut oil, onions, garlic, chives, salty snack foods, yeast dough and nuts including almonds, pecans and walnuts are all culinary irritants in the animal world. Make sure to avoid leaving these unfriendly temptations wrapped under your tree or in a space easily accessible by your pet. Beyond human food, dogs and cats often get more and different treats this time of year, which can also cause stomach upset. “Around the holidays it is good to have probiotics on hand in case your pet consumes too much of even just their own cookies or food,” explains Dave. “Probiotics can really ease their digestion and help to avoid a potential mess on the floor during a busy time of the year.”
The holiday season is also a time when routines can be hard to follow, and more visitors than usual may appear in your home, or at least on your front porch making deliveries. For our furry friends who become anxious with a shift in routine or with visitors, make sure to create a safe and quiet space where they can escape to find comfort and peace. Also helpful for your anxious pet are treats with CBD or other calming elements, allowing them to enjoy the holidays as well. Dave says, “we carry some locally ‘baked in the ‘boat’ treats that have functional aspects to them as well. Sometimes the holidays can get people along with dogs and cats a little excited, and we are fortunate to carry treats with CBD and calming elements to ease their anxiety.”
Undoubtedly a wonderful time to pamper your own pet as you spread the holiday cheer, don’t forget about those who may be spending the holidays on their own and in an animal shelter. Christmas is a great time to consider a donation in honor of your pet or a loved one who simply doesn’t need more stuff. Locally, the Routt County Humane Society (RCHS) accepts monetary donations, but also has a wish list program if you’re looking to donate an item or two. “There are people that have bought more than their pet needs all year long, so it is good to consider those that don’t have homes and are stuck in the shelter,” says Dave. “At Paws N’ Claws you can purchase dog treats, cat toys or other items for those animals spending their holiday at the local shelter.” Next time you’re in Paws N’ Claws, make sure to be on the lookout for “RCHS Wish List” labels throughout the store and you can easily purchase a needed item and leave it with Dave and his crew to give to the shelter.
From your local experts regarding “all things pet”, Dave and his crew would like to wish you and your furry friends a wonderfully merry and bright holiday season!
Written by Erin Campbell