Happy (and Safe) Holidays for Your Pet

This year our holiday season is going to be a bit different. There will certainly be adjustments to stay safe and healthy. Maybe your family will eat Thanksgiving dinner over Zoom. Maybe you’ll be mailing a lot of Christmas or Hanukkah gifts. We have one constant though, and that’s our pets! Our four legged family will be there with us like they have been all year. However, holidays can be a stressful or potentially dangerous time for our pets. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe and stress free during the holiday season!

gray and white tabby cat staring at camera sitting next to Christmas treeHoliday Stress

Typically, the holiday season is a time of change in your pet’s environment. There are more people visiting their home and changes to their owner’s routine or work schedule. Pet owners put up decorations in the home and move furniture around. There may even be fireworks or boisterous gatherings that can be too noisy for pets. With a little planning, you can reduce the stress your pet may feel at these changes.

  • Create a safe space for your dog or cat to retreat to when events become too loud or chaotic for them. Put it in a quiet place in your home with their favorite bedding and toys and even a fan or white noise maker to help mask any stressful sounds. Make sure it is a space that they are willingly go to, do not force them to retreat there (especially for pets with separation anxiety, they might rather be with you). You might even consider leaving a longer lasting special treat there, like a stuffed kong or bone, to encourage their enjoyment of this safe space. For cats, if they are being closed into a room, make sure they have access to their litter box and food/water.
  • If your pet prefers to be near you and the action, keep a close eye on their behavior to ensure they are not becoming overwhelmed or anxious. Be sure to let your guests know how to interact appropriately with your pets. Ask them to not follow or chase your pet if he or she walks away from them. Be sure that if your pet retreats to their safe space guests do not bother them. Consider requesting that guest not feed your pet any treats by hand, especially human food! If they’d like to give your pet a treat, they can offer pet friendly treats by placing them on the floor nearby to reduce the risk of a stressed pet lashing out.
    • If your guests are bringing pets of their own, consider asking them to come before the others so that you can introduce both pets in a less chaotic environment where you can closely monitor their reactions to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
  • Watch the doors as you greet guests as they enter your home. Even a pet who is comfortable around people may make a break for an open door to get away from any stressors. Be sure your pet is wearing their collar/ID tags and has up to date microchip information just in case.
  • Keep countertops and trash cans secure. Even the most well behaved pet can be tempted by all that delicious food. Be sure that you are watching your countertops and trash cans (or have secured them when you leave the room) so that your pets cannot get into something that could harm them.
  • Consider forgoing the pet costume. Many pets do not appreciate wearing clothes. If you attempt to put a costume on your pet and they react anxiously or negatively, quickly remove it to decrease the amount of stress they are experiencing.
  • Use pheromone diffusers or collars to help your pets cope with any stress during the holidays. Adaptil and Feliway are well known and effective brands of pheromone based products that could help your pet.

Holiday Decorations

Festive decorations in and around our home are important to many of us. We love our Christmas trees, garlands, and candles galore. Decorations can pose a hazard for pets though, so make sure you have secured them all safely and do not bring any toxic decorations or plants into your home where your pet can reach them.

  • Secure your Christmas tree. Consider tying your tree to the ceiling or nearby doorframe with fishing line to prevent it from tipping if your pets climb up or try to play with the lights and ornaments. The AVMA also recommends hanging lemon scented air fresheners in your tree to deter cats from climbing up (and your house will smell lemony fresh!).
  • Ensure your tree’s water source is kept away from pets. Be careful if you put any additives in your tree’s water, but even tree sap can be harmful to pets if ingested. Some Christmas trees also have fertilizers that could be harmful to your pet. Try to prevent your dog or cat from drinking out of your tree stand.
  • Keep your pets away from lights, tinsel and ornaments. PetMD suggests keeping lights, tinsel, and ornaments off the bottom third of your tree to reduce temptation. Those shiny ornaments, especially homemade ones out of natural materials or salt dough, are a great temptation for pets. Make sure any that could be broken or ingested are out of your pet’s reach. If eaten, they could cause a blockage or toxicity. Tinsel is another great temptation for pets, especially cats. Consuming them can cause intestinal blockages that may require surgery. Chewing on electrical cords can be harmful and may cause burns. Zoetis Petcare recommends spraying cords and even trees with bitter spray as a deterrent for pets.
  • Do not place toxic plants within reach of pets. Several popular holiday plants are dangerous for pets. According to the ASPCA, Amaryllis, mistletoe, poinsettia, balsam, pine, cedar, lilies, and holly are all poisonous if ingested so be careful not to allow your pets near them or better yet, make sure you don’t have any in your home.
  • Watch candles and potpourri around your pet. Open flames can be tempting to pets so make sure you are always supervising your pet if you have lit candles around. Both liquid and solid potpourris contain essential oils and ingredients that can damage your pet’s eyes, mouth, and skin if inhaled or eaten. Be especially careful with essential oils if you own a cat, they are extremely sensitive to most oils.

Don’t forget to unplug any decorations, blow out any open flame, and secure trash cans before you leave your home. Electrical cords can be a temptation for both dogs and cats.

Holiday Food

We all want to share our holiday meal with our pets. What harm is a little taste of turkey going to do? However, experts advise against feeding your pet human food for multiple reasons. Your food may have ingredients or additives that are toxic to your pet. While some people food is technically safe for pets, feeding your pet from the table can result in some pretty excessive begging (not to mention the drooling!) so it’s not a good habit to get into. If you’d like to be extra safe, you can feed your pet homemade pet treats or specifically formulated commercial treats with a holiday flair. However, there are a few human foods that your pet can share with you:

Holiday Pet Safe Food list

If you suspect that your pet ate something that could be harmful, contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (a fee may apply). Be sure that your veterinarian’s contact information, as well as an after hours emergency clinic, is easily accessible.

ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435 

Bonus: DIY Treats for Your Pet

Your pet may not be allowed to eat much of the people food you’re enjoying, but they could have some special treats of their own. Check out this recipe for turkey and cranberry meatballs for your pup or these tasty treats for your cat.

Happy holidays to you and your family, two and four legged! Stay safe and stay well!

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Cactus Cuteness for your Cat

Do you like cacti? Are you looking for a new home project for the coming winter months, especially now that COVID-19 rates are on the rise? Check out this holiday cactus cat scratcher. It’s a beautiful addition to your home and a wonderful new toy for your cat!

Contributing author: Timi Smith

Timi teamed up with Buy Rope to put together this guide for every cat owner who wants to surprise their furry friend with a unique cat scratching post. As a cat mom and DIY lover she thinks this is the purrfect project that will make you and your cat happy. Follow her and her kitty Coconut: @timischmidtt @coconutthecat.2020 https://www.buyrope.co.uk/

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What the hemp? An intro to CBD for pets

As busy pet owners, it can be difficult to keep up with the current trends and research. Should you feed grain free or is that detrimental? What proteins are best for your pet? How old should your pet be when she is spayed? What immunizations should your pet have? The list can go on and on. There is always new information, new technology, and new safety protocols for caring for our pets. One of the newer trends is the increased use of CBD products for pets. What is CBD? Should you consider using it for your pet?

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the cannabis sativa, or hemp, plant. It is derived from the non-intoxicating portion of the plant (high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, omega-9, amino acids, proteins, and other healthy nutrients) independently of THC, as opposed to marijuana. Definitions of hempseed oil or CBD versus marijuana are dependent on the amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol – a psychoactive compound, in the product. According to the Pet Safety Crusader, “the top portion of the cannabis plant where the flowers are, include the highest concentration of THC, while the stalk, stem, seeds, roots, and lower leaves house shallow levels of THC and a more significant concentration of CBD. The hemp plant’s medicinal and therapeutic properties live here.”

Products that are derived and labeled as hemp or CBD must contain less than 0.3 percent of THC. The American Kennel Club’s chief veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein says “it is essential to note that in most cases, CBD oil does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. In fact, most CBD products are derived from hemp and not from marijuana.”

CBD is an all-natural supplement that partners with the endocannabinoid system. This system, in both humans and pets, is comprised of multiple receptors that interact with other body systems to maintain balance and well-being. For more detail about CBD and the endocannabinoid system the Pet Safety Crusader has a great post.

CBD comes in a variety of forms and formats. According to Only Natural Pet, CBD can come in 3 forms: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate.

  • Full Spectrum: Full spectrum CBD is a hemp extract that contains all of the naturally-occurring compounds in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils, and important cannabinoids (such as CBC and CBG) that have been shown to support healthy inflammation response and cell health. Full spectrum hemp-derived CBD contains trace amounts of THC (less than the legal limit of 0.03%). Since the amount of THC is so low, full spectrum CBD is non-psychoactive.
  • Broad Spectrum: Broad spectrum CBD is a manufactured alternative to full spectrum. During the manufacturing process, the hemp plant components are isolated and then reintroduced in specific ratios. This allows any THC (the psychoactive component) to be completely removed from the final product.
  • Isolate: CBD isolate is pure CBD that has been isolated from other parts of the hemp plant. It may be sold as a powder or mixed with a base oil (like MCT oil). CBD isolate does not contain any other cannabinoids (including THC) or compounds that occur naturally in the hemp plant.

The most commonly found format for CBD is an oil or tincture, but you can also find capsules, topical lotions or creams, and infused treats and food. Finding non-GMO, quality CBD is as important for pet consumption as for human consumption. Most CBD experts recommend getting an organic CBD oil. Being organic means it is free of any pesticides, fertilizers, or fungicides. Especially be certain your pet’s CBD is free of additives. Oils are ideal because you can dispense or adjust the correct dose by an individual drop.

What to consider (is it safe)?

Because CBD products are still fairly new and have not been subjected to FDA oversight or regulation, it is difficult for veterinarians to recommend their use. The American Veterinary Medicine Association cannot allow veterinarians to make recommendations without extensive research being completed. While several universities and clinics have begun studies on the efficacy of CBD products, their long term results will not be known or widely circulated for some time. The laws regarding recommendation and dissemination of hemp products (as opposed to marijuana based products) are also often hazy or complex. Many veterinarians are unable to legally discuss any cannabis based products, either hemp or marijuana, depending on state regulation.

However, this does not mean you should not use it. The studies that have been performed all found potential benefits without harmful side effects. CBD could offer many of the same benefits to pets as it does to humans. According to the AKC “while there’s no scientific data on the side effects of CBD usage for dogs, there are potential side effects based on how CBD affects humans.” These potential side effects of CBD usage for pets include temporary drowsiness, temporary drop in blood pressure with high doses and increased thirst and are considered very mild. For this reason, CBD is considered safe as long as you follow the dosage instructions and any of your veterinarian’s recommendations.

The biggest risk seems to stem from buying from a less-than-reputable supplier. As with any medical decision, extensive research as a pet owner is critically important when selecting a supplier! Regardless of where you get it, the label should indicate the strength of formulation and recommended dosage. The products should also come with a certificate of analysis. According to Dr. Downing, a veterinary pain specialist researching CBD, “this is a way for a producer to affirm and assure the public that what they produce is consistent, not contaminated, and has a specific concentration of active ingredients. Reliable companies are interested in acquiring and repeating independent analyses.”

Does it work?

Many pet owners have reported positive results when giving their pets CBD products. In theory, CBD can provide the following benefits:

  • Pain relief: CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help relieve pain associated with joint disorders, arthritis, and even tumors. Joe Wakshlag, DVM, a veterinarian at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, completed a CBD study that showed a reduction of pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.
  • Anti-Tumor/Cancer properties: Cancer is scary and many treatments for cancer in both humans and pets can be harsh, with plenty of unfortunate side effects. CBD can help alleviate those side effects and can potentially help shrink tumors if taken internally.
  • Anti-Nausea properties: Your pet may be prone to car sickness or has eaten something that makes her ill. Several studies have shown that CBD can reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Epilepsy/Seizure relief: Much like in humans, CBD can help to calm the neurotransmitters that tend to over-fire in epileptic pets. CBD can reduce the number and severity of seizures, often without the side effects of traditional drugs
  • Stress/Anxiety relief: Anti-anxiety meds are expensive, sometimes addicting, and can have negative side effects. CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brains of animals with anxiety giving them some relief from stress and/or anxiety.
  • General health and balance: If your pet seems a little “off” but you and your vet cannot put a finger on it, CBD might be beneficial. Because CBD triggers the endocannabinoid system to promote overall health and balance, it might helpful in getting your pet back to normal and helping to keep her that way. Natural Living Ideas states that CBD can restore appetite, protect the nervous system, and even help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Where can I find it?

Finding a supplier of a CBD product that is trustworthy, derived from hemp-only and containing only CBD is absolutely essential. We recommend purchasing your pet’s (and your) CBD from Healthy Solutions, right here in Minnesota.

Healthy Solutions is a women-owned local business with extensive knowledge and ties to national leaders in the industry. Teresa and Tessi, the owners, only distribute locally sourced organic products that are top of the line. We’ve personally known these two women for over a decade and are confident in their knowledge of CBD products and their passion for improving the lives of people and their pets.

Healthy Solutions offers a full menu of products for pets and humans. For information on what products would be best for you and your pet, contact Tessi or Teresa.

Healthy Solutions has partnered with us to offer our clients a 10% discount on their first purchase. To purchase their products click here. Be sure to enter the discount code word “pets” to get your Whiskers to Tails discount.

 

When using CBD, it’s recommended that dog owners start with the smallest possible dose, watching for signs of improvement before moving to a higher dose. As with any substance, careful observation and starting slowly is absolutely essential.

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