Posts in Category: Pet-Friendly Holidays

For some, skipping the holiday madness is definitely the way to go. Whether that means foregoing gift-giving or taking a pass on hosting the annual feast, there’s certainly good reason to opt for a simpler holiday this year.

For pet owners, this new version of holiday “chill” is especially helpful for keeping a pet stress-free or when you’re looking to increase quality time with your animal companion.

If you want to shake it up this season and make some new memories and traditions, we have you covered. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy an easy-going, hard-work-free holiday with your pet.

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You could say that cats love Christmas, but it may be more accurate to say their “love” is really more of an obsession with Christmas trees. As far as your cat is concerned, the installation of an evergreen tree (whether natural or artificial) is a clear invitation to inspect, chew, jump, climb, and possibly take down and destroy with one pounce. This begs the question: what are your plans to deter your cat from being on or around the tree? With our holiday cat safety tips, you won’t have to scratch your head for long.

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When it comes to indulging our fur kids, the holidays can be the best time of year! Many owners wouldn’t dream of keeping a beloved pet off Santa’s gift list and thankfully, buying gifts for pets is the norm these days.

To help you create the perfect pet wish list, the team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has compiled some of our favorite ideas along with gifts you should avoid.
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We don’t always rely on our pets to judge others, but if your pet reacts strongly to a new person in your life, is it possible he or she is keyed into something to which you’re oblivious?

Like a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, your pet could potentially assess compatibility, determine your level of risk, and even weigh his or her own place in a potential love triangle. Is your pet a good judge of character? Let’s find out… Continue…

It’s almost contradictory that a season replete with joy, family time, and indulgences is also rife with dangers. While it can be exciting to get swept away in all the festivities, lights, and gingerbread house contests, it’s important to remain in tune with your four-legged friend to best protect him or her from illness or holiday-related calamity. Plus, your pet may be wondering when you plan to slow down a bit for a nice lasting cuddle or some other version of quality time, say, a long walk or laser chase.

In response, we’ve prepared the following guidelines for your pet and the holidays so you can close out this year in safety and peace. Continue…

The holidays can be stressful for everyone, but it’s not the spending or constant fretting over gifts that bothers your pet. While he or she likely picks up and reflects your mood, your pet may also be stressed about other things entirely.

The constant stream of unfamiliar faces, voices, and scents can really upset your pet’s inner balance, and the abundance of bright, sparkly holiday decor can be overwhelming. However, with proper planning, holiday pet stress can easily be reduced and managed. Continue…

Who do voodoo, that black cat crossing in front of you, do.

Our dark, non-photogenic furry friends get a bad rep, but do they deserve it? Where did it come from, and is there any truth to the myths about them?

Black cats have their own almagate of evil tales of dark art aid and bringing good luck to their owners in both iconic form and breed specific reality. Read on to learn more about black animals and their stereotypes, history, and odd anecdotes surrounding their dark furry coats. Continue…

Your pet experiences his or her environment through the nose, eyes, and ears – and fireworks trigger all of these senses to the extreme. Even the most serene and relaxed among the four-legged set can become extremely agitated by fireworks and the chaos of the 4th. So what can we as pet owners do to keep our pets happy and safe during the 4th of July celebrations this year? Read on to learn more… Continue…

Is your dog patiently waiting for you to finish shopping, decorating, checking of the list of December to-dos, and wrapping gifts? Has your cat been cleverly waiting for you to retire for the evening, only to go ballistic on the decorations? Maybe this is a signal that your pets – as well-behaved as they are – may need a bit of attention and fun time during the holidays, too.

After all, they are a part of the family and sharing some seasonal joy with loved ones is what this time of year is all about! Continue…

As the holidays descend rapidly upon us, it’s time to consider more than the shopping and the Naughty-or-Nice list. After all, the holiday season is as ripe with excitement and temptation for pets as it is for their people. As with humans, pets can behave more easily when the temptation to misbehave is limited.

Christmas Trees

As we strive to bring home the tallest, most perfect tree and get it set up without putting a hole in the ceiling, our animals know exactly what we’re up to. The cat is sure you found it the most amazing scratching post. The dog knows it’s an intruder that must be vanquished. Continue…