Ah, the holiday season! A time for twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and an abundance of love. And who’s at the center of all this warmth and merriment? Our furry friends, of course! As we celebrate this season of joy and togetherness, let’s not forget the importance of maintaining our pets’ health. Today, we’ll be diving into five healthy pet habits that you can practice this holiday season.
1. Healthy Eating Habits
While the holidays may tempt us to share all sorts of delectable treats, it’s important to follow your pet’s approved diet. Those big, pleading eyes might be hard to resist, but certain holiday foods can be downright dangerous for our furry companions. Foods like chocolate, grapes, and even rich gravies can upset their tummies or worse. So, this holiday season, sticking to pet-friendly snacks can keep those temptations at bay. Understanding your pet’s genetics can also give you insight into their unique dietary needs and help you make informed choices about their nutrition.
2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
In between decorating and singing festive songs, don’t forget your pet’s need for activity. Keeping dogs and cats active is an act of love, and it’s particularly important during the holiday season when the weather might not be conducive to long walks. Even if you have a very calm breed of dog, don’t underestimate their need to move. Try engaging them with indoor activities or interactive toys to keep their bodies and minds stimulated.
3. Stress Management for Pets
While we’re caught up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations, let’s take a moment to consider our pet’s perspective. The holiday season can be rife with stressors for our furry friends, from the bustling house to the occasional fireworks. It’s essential to provide a safe, calm environment. To help them cope, you might consider using strategies like creating a quiet space for them or using calming pheromone diffusers. Knowing your pet’s predispositions to stress allows you to take proactive measures to keep them relaxed.
4. Safe Celebrations
We all want our pets to partake in the holiday festivities, but some celebrations can pose risks. Decorations like tinsel and ornaments might look like toys to your pet but can be hazardous if ingested. Also, be cautious with candles and festive plants, as some are toxic to pets. Pet-proofing your home for the holidays is crucial to their safety.
5. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Amidst the holiday chaos, don’t forget to schedule a pre-holiday vet visit. Regular check-ups are like preventive gifts for your pet’s health. Your veterinarian can identify any potential health issues early on, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy throughout the holiday season and beyond. It’s also worth considering genetic testing as an advanced preventive measure. Orivet’s genetic insights can provide you with a deeper understanding of your pet’s unique health needs, allowing you to take proactive steps toward their well-being.
Know Your Pet with Orivet
Our pets give us unconditional love every day, and it’s only fitting that we return that love with care and attention to their health. To help you provide outstanding and personalized pet care, Orivet is committed to providing you with leading DNA testing. With actionable insights and an in-depth knowledge of your pet’s genetic makeup, you can choose better matches, make smarter investments, and raise happier, healthier animals down through the generations.
In addition to our industry-leading range of canine tests, our Purebred Cat Full Breed Profile was recently named the “Best DNA Test for Purebred Cats” by Women’s Day Magazine. These and others in our award-winning line of dog and cat genetic tests are an excellent way to show your pet how much you love them — not just during the holidays, but all year long.
For more information on Orivet’s easy and affordable genetic testing, just contact our team today!