Keeping Your Pets Happy and Healthy Between Christmas and New Year

The festive period doesn’t end on Christmas Day. For many, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve – often called the “Twixmas” period – is filled with relaxation, leftover treats, and disrupted routines. While it’s a great time to unwind, it can also be a challenging week for our pets, who rely on regular schedules and careful care.

Here’s how to keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe as you ease through the festive limbo. 

1. Avoid Festive Leftovers

After Christmas dinner, it’s tempting to share leftovers with your pets – but many festive foods can be harmful to dogs, cats, and other pets.

• Toxic Foods to Avoid:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Bones: Cooked bones from turkey or chicken can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
• Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies: Raisins, sultanas, and currants are highly toxic for dogs.
• Onions and Garlic: Found in stuffing and gravy, these can harm pets' red blood cells.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause severe health issues for pets.
  
  What to Do Instead:

• Treat pets to healthy, pet-safe options like festive-themed dog chews, cat treats, or specially made snacks. Avoid feeding them table scraps.

2. Stick to a Routine

Pets thrive on routine, but Christmas and New Year’s celebrations can throw daily schedules out of sync. Keep things as consistent as possible:

• Feed your pets at their usual times to avoid digestive issues.
• Stick to regular walks or play sessions, even if the weather or family plans make it tempting to skip.
• Ensure pets have a quiet space to retreat to if the house is busy with visitors or noise.

Maintaining consistency will reduce stress and help pets feel calm and secure during the festive downtime.

3. Keep Pets Active and Stimulated

Overindulgence isn’t just a problem for humans – pets can also become lethargic or gain weight during the festive season. Encourage healthy activity to keep them happy and fit:

• Short Walks: If the weather is cold, take shorter, more frequent walks to keep dogs moving while staying warm.
• Indoor Play: Use interactive toys, treat puzzles, or play fetch in a safe space indoors to keep pets mentally and physically active.
• Training Time: Practise recall or new tricks using healthy treats as rewards – this can mentally stimulate pets while reinforcing good behaviour.

4. Clear Away Holiday Hazards

After Christmas, homes are often filled with wrapping paper, leftover decorations, and stray toys, which can pose risks to pets.

• Wrapping Paper & Ribbons: These are tempting to play with but can cause blockages if swallowed. Keep them out of reach.
• Tinsel and Decorations: Cats and dogs can chew on or swallow decorations, leading to choking or digestive problems.
• Small Toys or Batteries: Small objects and batteries are particularly dangerous if chewed or ingested – store them safely out of reach.

Do a quick “post-Christmas clean-up” to ensure the house is safe for your furry friends.

5. Hydration and Healthy Treats

With the heating on and colder weather outside, it’s easy for pets to become dehydrated. Keep water bowls clean and topped up, and encourage regular hydration.

• Offer Fresh Water: Always ensure fresh, clean water is readily available, especially for pets that may be distracted by festive activities.
• Healthy Snacks: If your pet is joining in with the festive cheer, stick to healthy treats designed for pets rather than human food. Low-calorie snacks are perfect for dogs and cats during this indulgent period.

6. Monitor Your Pets for Stress

The excitement of Christmas, visitors, and new noises can cause stress for pets. Look for signs such as:

• Hiding or cowering.
• Excessive barking, meowing, or pacing.
• Loss of appetite.

If your pet seems overwhelmed:

• Provide a quiet, safe space for them to relax.
• Use calming sprays or pheromone diffusers to create a soothing atmosphere.
• Avoid forcing pets to interact with guests if they prefer solitude.

Summin Up

The week between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to relax, but don’t forget to keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy during the festivities. From sticking to routines to avoiding festive food hazards and keeping them active, small efforts can make a big difference in your pet’s well-being.

For everything you need to keep your pets comfortable this holiday season, visit Superpet. From healthy treats to interactive toys and calming products, we’ve got you covered!