By Ginny Jablonski
This year, pet adoptions were at an all-time high with many shelters across the country reporting empty kennels. Consequently, this holiday season may be the first for many new pet owners.
Here are several tips from food to decorations and even essential oils, to help you avoid emotional and costly emergency veterinary visits.
Our most obvious safety hazard during the holiday season is our tree. If you have a live tree, be sure to cover the tree stand’s water well. Pine sap, as well as pine needles, can be toxic for both dogs and cats.
Additionally, decorations such as lights, electric cords, snow globes, glass ornaments, tinsel, and traditional food items such as candy canes, cranberry or popcorn strands, and even cookies can pose serious health risks. Decorative household plants, such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe, are toxic to animals.
Many food staples throughout the year should be avoided, but especially around the holidays when friends and family may wish to slip our beloved animal companions a special treat unaware of the danger they pose.
Most people are aware that chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and sweet treats such as cookies are potentially harmful for pets. Further, excess fat, fermenting bread dough, and new ingredients such as the sugar substitute xylitol found in many processed treats, mints, sugar-free gum, and peanut butter pose serious health risks.
To keep your pets totally safe from any of these foods, you may wish to prevent them from accessing the kitchen or areas where food is being served. Special attention should also be given to the trash can, which might contain fat, food scraps, and bones.
Although it may be difficult and sometimes even uncomfortable, you may wish to consider establishing clear boundaries around food and “treats” where your pets are concerned. You may choose to do this as your guests arrive, before to sitting down for a meal, or by having a phone conversation prior to the event.
Stress is another critical factor for our animals during the holidays. Maintaining their daily routine and taking them for walks, play or exercise is one way to ensure they remain calm during this very exciting time. I often use essential oils for animals either on their body or in a diffuser.
Please be aware there are several essential oils which are toxic to both dogs and cats when ingested or used in excessive amounts such as cinnamon, pine, lavender, citrus, peppermint, and wintergreen, among others.
Use caution when using any oils in your home as certain plants can have detrimental effects on their delicate nervous systems.
Here are some tips for the responsible use of essential oils with animals from a well- known author and certified aromatherapist, Kate Brown. More information can be found in her book, Essential Oil Recipes from an Animal Lover: Taking Care of our Furry Friends.
Water based diffusers are a safe, effective way to put a small amount of essential oils into the air and can help start the relaxation response. If you are new to using essential oils for yourself or for your animals, here are 3 tips:
Make sure you are using genuine, high quality essential oils – this is the biggest factor for safe use. Essential oils are trendy right now and lots of companies are cashing in on it. Most oils purchased at retail are adulterated which is unhealthy for us and especially our animals.
Start with a small amount of essential oil. I recommend starting with 3-5 drops in your water-based diffuser. You can always add more if you want after you and your animals have gotten used to them. Too much at one time can be overwhelming from an olfactory perspective and may detox the toxins from the body. A little essential oil, used more often, is more effective.
Make sure your animals and you can leave the room. Don’t start out using your diffuser in a small, closed space. Use it in an area that is more spacious. Allow the doors to the room to be open and make sure your animals can leave the space.
Some of my favorite oils to use for reducing stress and are safe for all species of animals when used appropriately include:
Lavender – it is relaxing and calming. It is helpful for emotional stability and reduce tension and anxiety.
Cedarwood – this oil is sedating and calming. It can assist when there is a lot of chaos or changes in the household.
Roman Chamomile – this is mild, gentle oil that is often recommended for children and small animals. It has a relaxing effect on the body and the mind.
Black Spruce – this oil will help get you in the holiday spirit with its pleasant conifer tree scent. It is very grounding and is supportive of healthy adrenal function.
There are many ways to use essential oils and many oils that can create a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere in our homes this holiday.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
(888) 426-4435
