Festive awareness for your furry friends

Words VIV ADCOCK

The festive season doesn’t mean anything to our household animals, but they are aware of the heightened energies that build up as their household begins to buzz. Christmas can bring highs and lows in people’s lives. Some people cherish this as a time to bring loved ones together, and for others, it can be a time of loneliness, stress and social obligations. I think we, as people, underestimate how much our energy is in flux a lot of the time. Animals are highly perceptive to our emotional state, so as we head into the festive season, what awareness can we have around our furry and feathered friends and how the hustle, bustle and anticipation of social gatherings can affect them? If they are indoor pets, consider that this is their space too.

Excessive alcohol consumption can unleash a wide variety of emotions and behaviours in people. Animals are sensitive to this change in frequency or vibration, and for some animals, a busier than usual household can be very taxing on them.

Are you aware of your animal’s degree of sensitivity to changes in their home environment? Have you noticed if they go off their food, become less social and retreat to a corner to hide? They do their best to communicate to us, usually with a change of behaviour.

If you are having children into the home that the animals are unsure around, be kind to both parties and introduce them. Observe how your pet responds and be prepared to intervene if your animal is unsettled. Cats generally have no problem taking a swipe or a bite!

Visitors sometimes love to feed pets titbits. To avoid any needless trips to the vet, distress for your pet, and to save your wallet, be clear with visitors about what’s ok and what’s not. You may need to be more vigilant over where plates with leftovers are – animals are born opportunists.

One funny story I recall is a Labrador who joyously helped himself to a big box of chocolates sitting under the Christmas tree. Luckily, the owner managed to hear the wrapping being ripped off in time to retrieve the contents, which are highly toxic to dogs. I also have a very sobering story of a cat that discovered a small packet of raisins, which it ate and later died. Apparently raisins, sultanas, etc are very poisonous to animals.

The Southern Hemisphere enjoys the festive season in summer. Please consider the time of day you are walking your dog and whether the pavement is hot – remember, they don’t have thick shoes on.

Our pets offer us so much beyond words. Take time to enjoy them and the bond you share. Wishing you all a relaxed and fun Christmas with your loved ones.

www.vivadcock.com