
Learn how to keep them safe during celebrations and trips
The end of the year is approaching and if you like to be surrounded by family and friends like me, that means dinners, gift exchanges, travel and lots of partying.
For our pets, this is also a time of much agitation and changes in routine. That’s why it’s important to take some care and avoid situations that can endanger the well-being and safety of our furry friends.
With a little planning, you can ensure that your pet takes advantage of celebrations and is not at risk. Here are 10 tips to keep it safe:
Beware of adornments and decoration
Christmas decorations can be irresistible to animals, especially those who love new toys. When decorating your home, think of them and keep all decorations out of reach, including threads, Christmas trees and candles.
Leaving animals away from adornments is an impossible mission (anyone who has dogs or cats knows it), evaluates the risks they run and considers simplifying the decoration to ensure their safety.
Animals can eat ornaments or pieces of them, hurting their mouths, intestines and even causing digestive complications. In addition, since some of the decorative items are electronic – such as lights, for example – they can have electric shocks when they touch or bite us. This type of accident can cause burns, pulmonary edema and brain damage that often lead to death.
Keep it safe during fireworks
The hearing of dogs and cats is more sensitive and that of humans, by fireworks can be a traumatic experience for them. Some animals can be extremely disoriented and are more prone to leaks or accidents such as necklace strangling, running over, falling or mutilation. Panic can also trigger behavioral and physical disorders, including seizures, cardiorespiratory problems, or digesters.
Never leave animals trapped with chains or necklaces during fireworks. During explosions, stay with your pet in the most isolated room in the house, preferably a room with closed doors and windows. Try to distract them with games or other activities.
If this is not possible, make sure you leave it in a completely safe, closed, cozy environment with as much sound insulation as possible. Leave at least one light on and one garment near it – that helps to calm it down. Evaluate his
Identify it correctly
Removing the animal from its environment and routine increases the risk of escape or loss, especially at times such as the end of the year. Choose a necklace with identification tags with your recorded data (name of the animal, its name and telephone number). This way, if you lose it, whoever finds it will be able to get in touch easily. Choose a necklace model that won’t break or can be removed by the animal.
No dinner
Grapes, raisins, fried foods, roasts and especially chocolates are some of the main enemies of animal health at the end of the year. These foods are champions in food poisoning among dogs and cats and can even cause their death.
The symptoms of intoxication depend on the amount ingested in relation to the weight of the

Never offer alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages have highly toxic ingredients for animals, such as some plants and fruits (hops in the case of beer and grapes in the case of wine). The organism of dogs and cats does not tolerate the effects of alcohol well. Therefore do not give them even a drop of alcohol.
Are you going to travel without your pet? Never leave him alone.
Absence of owners and changes in routine and environment can cause suffering and stress. The best option is to leave the animal at home under the care of someone you trust who can, daily, feed it, clean the premises and give it affection and attention.
If this is not possible, you can seek services from Pet Sitter or hotels that offer accommodation for dogs and cats.
Are you going to travel with him? Think about your needs.
If the destination is appropriate and your pet likes to walk, there is no reason not to take it with the family. Consult your veterinarian about your pet’s special needs before taking the road, as they may vary according to species and breed – as well as the best way to transport your pet (transport boxes, pushchairs or seat belts, for example). It is also important to make sure that vaccines, fleas and dewormers are up to date.
And the beach, can it?
The answer is: it depends. Check the local rules, as not all beaches allow pets to circulate. In addition, make sure that all vaccines, dewormers and fleas are up to date before taking them to the beach, so that there is no risk to your health and that of people.
Observe the dog’s behaviour in this situation. Take it for a first walk before settling into the sand and, if you realize that it feels good, be attentive to the care necessary for it to have fun safely.
Protect it from the summer heat
Excessive heat is dangerous for dogs and cats. They do not possess sweat glands scattered throughout the body and only exchange heat with the environment through respiration.
Evaluate temperature conditions before exposing your pet. Dogs subjected to long walks in hot hours of the day tire faster than normal and if you do not perceive the first signs of increased body temperature, can develop the so-called fatal hyperthermia.
The main symptoms of hyperthermia are rapid breathing, hypersalivation, thick saliva, dark red (brick-coloured) oral mucous membranes, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, motor incoordination and loss of consciousness, fainting and convulsions.
If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the animal from the warm environment or direct exposure to the sun immediately. Offer cool water, but do not force it. Cool your legs, neck region and head with wet towels or water at room temperature and take the animal immediately to the veterinarian.
Being present is the best gift
The best thing we can offer our pets is, without a doubt, love. Animals are sentient beings, that is, like us, they have the emotional capacity to feel pleasure, joy and nostalgia. Prioritize trips in which you can take them or leave them always to the care of someone you trust, who can give them a lot of affection.
Now that you know how to guarantee the safety and well-being of your four-legged companions, it’s just a matter of enjoying the New Year’s Eve parties and enjoying them together!