No pet parent wants to put their beloved animal in danger. Still, there are risks, especially around the holidays.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to consider safety risks and make changes to keep your furry friend safe. But what are things to watch out for?

Well, during the holidays, various foods (some unsafe for pets) are introduced into your home. Apart from this, changes in your schedule can confuse and upset your pet. The same goes for decorations. Not only can the decorations confuse your pet, but they may also hurt them as they play with pieces that break. So, what can you do to make holidays stress-free for pets?

Happy Paws Upstate recommends a few things as leading local experts in the Greenville, SC area. Keep reading to learn ways to keep pets safe during the holidays and seasonal pet safety tips.

Common Holiday Hazards for Pets

Before you can make changes to your home for the holidays, reach out for help, or tweak your schedule, you need to know the possible hazards. Here we've listed common holiday hazards to consider.

Dangerous Foods and Drinks

Unfortunately, our pets cannot eat the same things we do. Dogs, cats, and other small animals should not eat chocolate, as it can cause serious problems. Chocolate is hard to avoid during the holidays. It's a common gift and treat. It isn't the only toxic food to avoid, though. You should also be wary of leaving out foods like grapes, onions, and alcohol. Not sure how serious this is?

According to PetMD, dogs should not drink beer as it can lead to alcohol poisoning, with symptoms like seizures, lethargy, and shallow breathing.

Even if your pet begs for this food, don't give it to them. Instead, find safe alternatives. Give them treats that are safe for each pet. This will vary depending on your furry (or flying) friend.

Holiday Decor Hazards

Food isn't the only item you should be wary of. Although it's fun, be careful with your decor, as it can harm your pet, especially small animals.

Tinsel is not only toxic but also sharp, as it's sometimes strung with hard wire. Either keep this completely out of your pet's reach or use a non-harmful material for your garland, such as paper or fabric.

The holidays are the best time to use Christmas trees, but they can be dangerous for pets, especially cats, who will climb anything they get their paws on. You'll need to stabilize it and use ornaments that don't shatter. Another recommendation for Greensville, SC, pet owners is to create pet-friendly flat trees out of foam.

Loud Noises and Holiday Guests

Not every animal is friendly or open to others in their space. The same goes for humans! They are a lot like us. However, the holidays are all about spending time with friends, family, and other loved ones, which can stress out your pet.

While it may be unavoidable to invite people to your home, it's best to create a safe space for your pet to remain. The safe space can be your bedroom with their favorite toys, bed, and treats.

The holidays are also noisy, with people playing music, laughing loudly, and setting off fireworks, making it especially important to create safe spaces. You can also talk to your pet's vet about stress-relieving medications.

Keeping Dogs and Cats Safe During the Holidays

How you care for your pet depends on the type of pet(s) you have. You won't treat a horse the same way you would treat a dog or a cat. In this section, we'll review how to help your dog or cat during the holidays.

Maintain a Routine

The best way to keep your Greensville, SC dog or cat safe is by maintaining a routine. Keep your schedule consistent so your pet feels safe and calm. This includes feeding times, amounts, walks, and playtimes.

Maintaining a routine makes it easier for your pet to relax when there are changes to their environment. Even if someone is over, they will want to stick to their schedule of walks, playtimes, and naps.

Stress Reduction Tips

Unfortunately, stress isn't always preventable. Because of this, you'll need to find ways to keep your dog or cat calm, or to calm them when they are already freaked out.

One way to do this is by using calming aids. While there are over-the-counter gummies and treats, always consult a vet before giving your pet something new.

On top of this, create safe spaces and increase enrichment. This not only helps them get their mind off their stress but also boosts their brain and overall health. Dogs and cats love puzzles with treats and new games. Recycle them if your pet seems bored.

Traveling with Pets vs. Staying Home

Not all of us stay home during the holidays. It's hard when your family is spread out. But when should you hire a pet sitter or take your pet with you?

There are pros and cons to each. However, cats are usually comfortable staying in their safe spaces. Taking them in the car for days or on a plane can stress them out. Dogs are easier to travel with in a car, but on a plane, there are risks.

Truly, especially for cats, you should focus on hiring someone to check on them or house sit. This will keep both you and your pet calm.

Special Care for Small Animals Over the Holidays

Dogs and cats are relatively easy to care for compared to other small, furry creatures like rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters. How should you care for them? What are some small animal holiday care tips to know?

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters

Smaller creatures get more stressed out, and it's understandable as to why. Imagine only standing at 5 inches tall and hearing and seeing chaos all around you. The holidays are chaotic!

To keep them safe, consider keeping their enclosures in quiet areas, away from the holiday chaos. Like dogs and cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters can get bored. Find ways to keep them occupied and enriched through chew toys and appropriate games.

Birds and Exotic Pets

Some of us care for more exotic animals, like birds, ferrets, and sugar gliders. If this sounds like you, you'll need to make changes to your environment and schedule to keep them safe during the holidays.

Keep them away from loud noises, scented candles, and sudden temperature changes, especially if they have specific temperature needs.

Daily interruptions are normal during the holidays, as there are so many events and activities. Still, you'll need to keep your furry pet occupied and stress-free with activities.

Birds love shredding things; consider adding a new shredding item to their enclosure. Try this popular (and affordable) one for your feathered family member!

When traveling, don't forget about pet sitters. Happy Paws Upstate offers professional, experienced pet sitters in the Greenville, SC area to ease your nerves during the holidays. We have experience with dogs, cats, exotic pets, and even farm animals.

Home Farm Care: Chickens, Goats, and More During the Holidays

Home farm care can make it hard to enjoy the holidays, since chores don't stop. You can't just neglect your chickens or goats because of the holidays. It also makes it hard to travel.

Preparing for Seasonal Changes

An important way to keep your farm animals safe is to prepare in advance, as weather and seasons change. For the holidays, make sure you have extra bedding for warmth and any accidents.

In addition, you'll want to test your water heaters and predator-proof the enclosures. Foxes aren't afraid to try to snatch up chickens.

Winter can also close many places due to harsh weather. To combat this, stock up on feed, bedding, medicine, and overall supplies.

Hiring Professional Farm Sitters

Pet sitters aren't incredibly hard to find, but they are when you're looking after farm animals. Not everyone is experienced. That's why it's essential to find experts in the field, such as us at Happy Paws Upstate in Greenville, SC.

Hiring professional farm sitters for travel can give you peace of mind as you enjoy the holidays, knowing they are in good hands with people who know how to maintain routines and notice when something is 'off' to handle any situation before it becomes a problem.

Why Hire a Professional Pet Sitter in Greenville, SC?

Now, onto an important question: why hire a pet sitter in Greensville, SC? The short answer is that it's convenient and easier. The longer answer may take a while to explain.

The Benefits of Local Greenville Pet Sitting Services

A few of the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter in Greensville, SC, are that your pet stays in their home. They won't feel super stressed because their environment and routines remain the same. Also, professional pet sitters understand the importance of routines and the love behind pet owning. Because of this, they stick to schedules and can keep them safe by handling enrichment and medication.

Why Choose Happy Paws Upstate in Greenville, SC

With so many options, why should you choose Happy Paws Upstate? Well, Happy Paws Upstate is a caring and growing company with an experienced team that understands how important it is to care for your pet. They are also very well-informed about the Greensville, SC area and can work with a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, small animals, birds, and farm animals.

Final Checklist for Holiday Pet Safety

Regardless of whether you are hiring a pet sitter for travel or staying home, you should double-check that your pet is safe by reviewing this final pet safety checklist.

● Secure trash cans and leftovers.

● Double-check doors and gates with frequent visitors.

● Ensure pets have ID tags or microchips up to date.

The holidays should be joyful for you and stress-free for your pets. Whether you're traveling or staying busy with seasonal festivities, Happy Paws Upstate is here to help.

From daily pet sitting for dogs and cats to expert care for small animals and home farms, we'll keep your furry, feathered, and farm friends safe and happy while you enjoy your holidays. Book your holiday pet care services early - our schedule fills fast!

Contact us today to reserve your spot.