Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

'Paw-some holidays': How to make Christmas, New Year revelries safe for pets

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735054248612bright.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Bright lights welcomed people and four-legged friends alike at Forbes Town in Taguig on Thursday, November 9, 2023, as the community launched its first ever pet-themed Christmas display. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA — Pets are already integral companions for Filipinos. They play a vital role in keeping one&#x27;s life still playful while serving as an additional family member in every household, hence their welfare during the holidays remain a top concern for most people.In fact, pet wellness experts observed that Filipino owners become &quot;more conscious&quot; about their pets during Christmas and New Year festivities, as any careless man-made activity can pose a danger to animals.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2022/12/24/celebrities-flex-their-pets-on-christmas-day-1413">LOOK: Celebrities flex their pets on Christmas Day</a></div>Dr. Anne Dominique Reyes-Sy, associate veterinarian at Vets in Practice Animal Hospital, said Filipinos may be aware of the risks but vigilance is still necessary especially for possible gastrointestinal issues pets may get from food.&quot;Traditional Filipino holiday foods can be particularly dangerous. Lechon and other fatty foods can cause serious digestive issues, while ingredients like onions and garlic commonly found in our dishes are toxic to pets. Holiday plants like poinsettias and certain lilies can also be hazardous if ingested,&quot; she explained.&quot;Additionally, the increased activity and changes in schedule can be particularly challenging for senior pets or those with existing health conditions,&quot; she added.For Phil Renner, chief executive officer of dog wellness brand Dr. Shiba, the increasing interest of Filipinos to include pets in holiday planning is commendable.&quot;We&#x27;re seeing more pet parents preparing special pet-safe treats and creating designated spaces for their fur babies during gatherings,&quot; he said.But he noted: &quot;There&#x27;s still a need for education about proper holiday pet care, especially regarding food safety and managing stress during celebrations.&quot;<div>ON DECORATIONS, FIRECRACKERS</div>Renner said not only food can put pets to danger, but also decorations.&quot;Christmas lights can be tempting for pets to chew on, and small ornaments or tinsel can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. I recommend pet-proofing decorations by keeping them out of reach and supervising pets around the Christmas tree,&quot; he stressed.&quot;Each pet reacts differently to loud noises and celebrations, but it&#x27;s important to remember that pets perceive sounds and smells much more intensely than we do. Strong sounds and unfamiliar scents can significantly impact their well-being, potentially leading to anxiety and stress,&quot; Reyes-Sy stated.She emphasized that knowing the early signs of distress and what to do about it is important. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/12/24/22/pets-sing-for-chance-at-adoption-this-christmas">WATCH: Pets &#x27;sing&#x27; for chance at adoption this Christmas</a></div>&quot;Watch for signs like excessive panting, pacing, hiding, or changes in appetite. Some pets might become unusually clingy or, conversely, withdraw from interaction. If your pet shows these signs, the best immediate response is to let them retreat to a quiet space away from the festivities. Prevention is always better than remedy —  keeping their routine as normal as possible during the holiday season can help reduce stress significantly,&quot; she said.Renner, meanwhile, highlighted that some animals feel terrified when hearing New Year&#x27;s Eve fireworks, hence their shop came up with so-called &quot;Peaceful Paws,&quot;&quot;Since I noticed many pet parents struggling with this kind of challenge, we came up with our Peaceful Paws treats, which include several different natural calming ingredients. But whatever solutions you choose —  whether it&#x27;s calming aids, creating quiet spaces, or maintaining routines —   the key is introducing them gradually before celebrations begin,&quot; he explained.<div>HOLIDAY TREATS, COZY SPACES FOR PETS</div>Reyes-Sy noted that instead of sharing holiday foods with pets, it&#x27;s better to give them treats that are customized and specifically made for them. &quot;If you want to make your pet feel special during celebrations, consider pet-specific treats that combine enjoyment with health benefits. For instance, functional treats like Dr. Shiba&#x27;s Happy Tummy and Pro Immune lines combine enjoyment with nutrition, particularly helpful during the holiday season when pets might need extra digestive and immune support,&quot; she said.She also stated that it is important to avoid ingredients like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners, saying they &quot;can be toxic to pets.&quot;In terms of having festivities that pets can enjoy, Renner said special bonding moments of owners with them work best.&quot;Like family photos with festive but comfortable accessories, sharing pet-appropriate treats, or simply ensuring pets have dedicated time with the family amidst the busy celebrations. The key is following your pet&#x27;s cues and letting them participate in ways they&#x27;re comfortable with. For me it’s really taking my golden retriever Ley on long walks together with my entire family!&quot; he shared.They also mentioned that having a dedicated cozy space for pets can be helpful to keep their peace amid holiday noises.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/video/life/12/29/23/tips-caring-for-pets-on-new-years-eve">How to keep your furbabies safe on New Year&#x27;s Eve</a></div>&quot;Choose a quiet room or area away from the main festivities where your pet can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This space should have familiar items —  their bed, favorite toys, fresh water, and perhaps a piece of clothing with your scent. The key is making this space easily accessible to your pet while ensuring guests know this is your pet&#x27;s private area,&quot; Reyes-Sy said.&quot;Keep this safe space in the same location throughout the holiday season. The goal is to create an environment where your pet feels secure and can decompress when needed. Think of it as their personal holiday retreat space where they can still feel part of the celebration but on their own terms,&quot; Renner added.For those who would like to check some treats for pets, visit <a href="https://dr-shiba.com/">Dr. Shiba&#x27;s website</a>. And for pet owners who seek veterinary care and services, check <a href="https://vetsinpractice.ph/">Vets in Practice&#x27;s online portal.</a>