Five ways to ensure your furry friend has a safe and fun festival

As the year 2021 draws to a close many petlovers like to shower them with love attention and treats reveling in the festivities together However while the sentiment is one of deep familial love there are a number of things that pet parents need to be mindful of during the festive season to avoid causing unintentional stress or harm to their petsEnsure all decorations are secure and out of reachBe it Christmas or the New Year decorations are a part and parcel of the celebration From colourful tinsel and a Christmas trees to hangable snowflakes balloons and more the sight of a fully decked up house on a cosy winter morning can immediately fill us with joy However dog owners must make sure that these decorations are completely secure and outofreach because many components in them such as plastics artificial colours and more could be very harmful to your dogs Hanging decorations should be placed high enough while the Christmas tree or presents and more should be in an area that is cordoned offBe mindful of open flamesNeedless to say if candles lamps or any other items with a flame are a part of your decorations you must ensure they are only placed where they cannot be accessed by your dog Besides being a massive fire hazard already these small but potentially destructive objects can be easily knocked over by an enthusiastic dog ending up hurting them or in the worst case burning down the house So always be careful about decorations with open flames and never leave them unattendedBe careful with electricals and wiringsAnother quintessential component of Christmas and New Year decorations are lights and they can instantly warm up your house in a dreamy glow From quaint fairy lights to starshaped fixtures holiday lights come in a variety of shapes sizes colours with a dizzying number of wirings and tangly parts all with highvoltage current passing through So while putting them up owners must make sure they are either hanging out of reach or are neatly tucked away so that your dog doesnt end up tripping over them or inadvertently chew on them when youre not lookingAvoid giving human food to your dogsWhile the temptation to shower your dog with treats while youre gobbling on some delectable holiday specialities is fully understandable whats good for you might be extremely dangerous for your pet Holiday confectionaries meals and candies all contain substances that could be very harmful to dogs from chocolate and dairy products to cooking spices and more Instead either buy or make separate treats for your pet that are specifically meant for them so they can join in on the festivities and be a part of the celebrationsMake sure your dog has a safe spaceFinally while the exuberance of the celebratory occasion might be the highlight of your day or even the month dogowners must realise that it could very easily become overwhelming for your beloved furry friend The flurry of activities multiple unfamiliar people and a hotchpotch of commotion and celebration could make your dog feel very anxious confused and stressed Therefore it is just as important to ensure they have their own familiar space that is comfortable and calming to retreat to when it gets too much A safe corner or room that is cordoned off from the rest of the house and has their favourite blanket toy or other familiar objects helps give them the peace and calmness they need once the initial excitement wears off and its time to restDr Vinod Sharma Director and Head of Veterinary Services of AAlda Pet India Pvt Ltd