By Jessica Neal, Nutrition Center Manager, Freely Pet
The holidays are a time for celebration, decorations, big meals, and temptation galore. This is true not just for humans but for our four-legged family members too.
As you plan this holiday season, the Freely Nutrition Center is here for you with important tips on keeping your pets safe, happy, and healthy.
What kind of plans should I make for my pets during the holidays?
This holiday season is likely to look a bit different for everyone this year. When making your plans, be sure to include your favorite furry family member!
If you are planning to travel or expect to be out and about, lock in those boarding or doggy day camp reservations at your Best Friends Pet Hotel location. Those spots can fill up quickly!
If you are staying home this year, plan to include your pets in the celebrations. This may mean adjusting the celebration to stick to your pet’s schedule but having them near will bring you all closer together.
This is also a great time to check the hours of operation for important contacts, like your vet. It’s nice to have some extra peace of mind knowing your pet’s care team is accessible when you already have so much on your plate (quite literally!).
We are planning a big holiday meal! Can my pet have some?
Holiday food is often decadent and full of flavor, so it’s tempting to sneak a little something to your furry family member under the table. But these tasty morsels can cause unintended tummy troubles (and add to their waistline).
Only 10% of your pet’s daily calories should come from treats, toppers, and extras. Yep, even during the holidays.
Don’t leave the turkey or pies unattended on the counter or you might come back to find them missing and your pet with a full belly.
Your pets are not always as trustworthy as they are cute in the face of temptation, especially with the added distractions around your home.
I’m not sure how my pet will handle having my family around. What can I do to help?
While the holidays are a time of celebration, they can be taxing on pets and humans alike!
Consider adding a stress-busting play session, especially with a brain-teasing toy, to release some pent-up physical and mental energy before the festivities begin.
Another great idea is to add a few extra training sessions on the morning of the big day.
Puppies will be ready for a nap after a brain workout with obedience lessons or trick training!
Both are great ways to bond with your pet.
Even with some stress reduction measures, your pet might still become overwhelmed. Ensure your pet has a quiet place to relax away from the excitement and keep an eye on doors that an escape artist might use to dart away from the action.
My pet is acting really different during the celebration. What is going on?
Many of us added new pets to our family in the past year. Even though they have settled in and become comfortable in our homes, the excitement of the holidays is a new, often overwhelming, experience for them.
Don’t worry if your normally outgoing pet becomes more reserved during the holiday season or your extra nervous pets are a bit shy around dinner time. With a little patience, they will be happy to spend the evening recouping with you after a long day of celebration.
I want my house to look festive but are the decorations dangerous for my pet?
Think twice about what you use to decorate your house and where you place holiday décor.
Pets observe with their mouths rather than their eyes, and sampling ribbon, tinsel, potpourri, or water in tree stands can be dangerous.
Although poinsettias are not quite as dangerous as previously believed, it is best to keep them, and other more poisonous plants like mistletoe and holly, away from pets.
And remember that other favorite people foods, such as chocolate and eggnog, can also be toxic treats.
Decorations, like trees and candles, can pose more physical dangers to your pet.
Your cat might find climbing your Christmas tree to be a fun activity, but it’s a party-pooper if it falls over and injures someone!
Candles and fireplaces should also be monitored to keep pets at a safe distance away.
We adopted a new pet this year! What can we do to really make them part of the family?
The holidays are a time of traditions and spending time together. Why not try making a new tradition with your pet?
An evening walk to check out the neighborhood decorations is a way to incorporate your puppy into the festivities.
A fort-building contest with spare boxes will give your kitty a place to play and a new experience to keep their minds busy.
These can become cherished activities, and you and your pet can look forward to them each year!
Still have questions? The Freely Nutrition Center has answers!
The Freely Nutrition Center wants to help you find the right food for your cat or dog and answer any questions you have about your pet’s diet and nutritional needs. Simply call (833-918-1236), email (nutrition@freelypet.com) or live chat (freelypet.com) with their experts.
And as a loyal guest of Best Friends Pet Hotel, when you contact them this Holiday season, they’ll send you a FREE small bag of Freely kibble! Just mention this blog post during your free consultation.
About the Author:
Jessica Neal is the Nutrition Center Manager at Freely Pet. She has a Master’s Degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Genomics and Bioinformatics. She’s also a devoted pet parent to Atlas, her outgoing, sweet, and silly dog, Peabody, her loveable rescue cat, and Divine, her beautiful, hardworking quarter horse. While Jessica has studied in several fields, her true passion is small animal nutrition, and she is excited to connect with pet parents like you to help you navigate your pet’s nutritional journey.
It’s simple: Give your pets the best life they could ever ask for—NOW, while they’re here with you.
Much like losing a significant human, losing our pets can be devastating. Many people have said that losing a pet is even more intense than human loss. And nobody can compare the degrees of pain felt by an individual person.
We’re all different.
Fact: If you love your furry friend(s) with all your heart, you will have to say good-bye at some point. Going into this kind of special relationship with your pet—even while knowing this difficult fact—from the get go—is the most unconditional love there can be.
Pet Parents everywhere go into the love affair knowing this reality. Then their love and admiration increases, and the bond between pet and caregiver strengthens. Living in the moment and being as prepared (as you can be) in advance helps ease our mind. But, no matter how much you prepare, loss is never easy.
Pets play a vital role in our daily lives and become a huge part of our families. They lighten up our days and nights during challenging times and keep us healthy. Our pets become our companions, our confidants—our cuddy buddies.
Whether furry, fuzzy, or feathered, the pain of losing a pet is real.
But, let’s first talk about dogs…
There’s Always That One Special Dog
Many of us have felt the pain of losing a precious pal. Your dog becomes a member of the family. Preparation for the inevitable while your pet is still alive is key. Everything that you do for your dog each day adds up to their total quality of life. It’s not just the first week or last week of their life that we remember or think about—it’s all those memories in between.
It’s not the destination. It’s the journey.
Some say that losing your first dog is most difficult, however, we understand that each and every dog you own offers you its very own unique love. Nonetheless, there are just some dogs that make a bigger impact than others.
If this bond is not love, we don’t know what is.
No matter if it’s your first, fourth, or fortieth animal to love and care for, the bond between you two couldn’t be stronger. You love each one of them all in various ways, but as the saying goes, there’s always that one special dog.
Much More Than Love:
Admiration
Dedication
Financial Commitment
Medical Attention
Patience
Resilience
Respect
Socialization
Training
Trust
Our companions keep us responsible and remind us to play. You as a Pet Parent have a responsibility to protect and care for your furry friend with all your might.
It’s truly unfair that we typically outlive our beloved furry family members.
With the loss of any loved one, profound grief is normal. Grief must be met with an abundance of resilience. Look it straight in the eye and conquer its power over you. TODAY.
Bottom line: We never truly “get over it”, we just simply get through it.
Caregiver Responsibility: Care For Your Dog Like Their Life Depends On It
Our pets look to us to keep them safe and be their #1 health advocate from the beginning to when it’s time to help them cross over the rainbow bridge.
When you decide to care for a furry friend, make sure you’re ready to accept every stage of your dog’s life—from puppy to adulthood. Look to senior pets for loads of surprises and lots of interesting facts. With knowledge as your power, you can offer your precious pal the care they deserve at all times.
Okay, we understand.
These ideas can’t bring your dog back—nor can they keep them (physically) alive forever. However, they may serve as helpful reminders throughout your dog’s life—and when it’s time, through the grieving process.
By supplying the best life possible for your dog now, you can breathe life into your heart forever.
Keep In Mind: Love Is Not Enough
Paying close attention to details about your furry friend are all part of dog ownership. Regular health & wellness exams, spaying or neutering responsibility, grooming appointments, overall body observations, as well as a keen awareness of any changing signs in your pet, are just a fraction of the responsibility.
Caring for a dog is inside and out—nose to tail.
Owning A Dog Is Much More Than Love. Do You Have What It Takes?
Admiration
Dedication
Financial Commitment
Health & Wellness
Medical attention
Patience
Resilience
Respect
Trust
More Patience
1. Make Memories
Take Pictures
Take lots and lots of pictures of your dog.
A photograph speaks volumes. While a photo of your dog is not the real thing, it can help capture magical moments in your life. Even when you think you’re capturing plenty of photographs, one day you’ll look into that family photo album box and wish you took more shots of your puppy.
Many pet care hotels offer up holiday costume contests, bubble bashes, and fun photo opportunities for your pet. These pet places are known to take lots and lots of pictures of your furry friend too!
Your dog may not know exactly what’s on the menu of the day, nor do they fully understand party themes, but they do know when kind people and fellow dog friends are giving them the favorable attention they so much crave.
You’ll be glad you took your dog to their favorite Pet Hotel.
Silly — yet safe — activities with your dog all contribute to your sacred vault of memories.
Photo Credit: Breanna Elizabeth, Best Friends Pet Hotel (Willow Grove)
Make Time
Do fun stuff with your dog.
Spend time that you didn’t think you had. Yes, you must make time. From puppies to senior dogs, provide your pet the opportunity to enjoy their life with you.
A good dose of physical exercise and mental stimulation for your dog will allow you both the chance to stay active and healthy.
Go ahead, drop to the floor, get on all fours and have some fun. What better way possible is there to experience life, than to experience life with your dog?
The Moment Comes But Once
When your dog licks your knee or kisses your hand when you give them a yummy extra snack, don’t push them away. This loving gesture from your dog might be their way of showing you trust, acceptance, and affection.
When they bark, validate what they’re barking about. When they’re whining, get to the core of where the behavior is coming from. Don’t just holler at your dog to be quiet. Identify their needs and tell them “Thank You.” (Now that’s a switch. Try it. It works.)
Try your best to have humor in their every shananigan when your dog runs around the house with a choice article of your clothing hanging from their mouth. Maybe they’re zooming around the room and laughing at you.
Maybe you’re unhappy or impatient with your dog. But, these are the trying times to refocus on your dog and giving them their best life. Their behavior might be your dog’s honest attempt at keeping you close to them. Think of it like us keeping a photograph of the person or persons we love by our nightstand—meaningful.
Pay close attention and you’ll discover your answer of what you’re looking for them to do. They aren’t just pestering you to go in and out, more times than not, they just want you to go outside with them!
Remember dogs will be dogs. They just want to please you. You just have to show them how. Demonstrate what behavior you want.
Enjoy the humorous, rambunctious behaviors that your dog does. Make a conscious effort to pause and enjoy your dog—right when the moment happens. We all have a ton on our minds these days, but try to remember that exact moment in time as it occurs.
When your dog jumps up and down to see you when you’re home from a long day at work, remember all the hysterical tries of training the word “off.” The training process is what matters. Don’t strictly strive for success. Encourage desired behavior, but laugh when it doesn’t happen.
Sharpen your dog’s skills for small wins. Nobody’s perfect. Practice is perfection, even for your dog.
2. Live In The Moment
Remember to live like a dog.
Your furry friend only knows what’s happening at that given time. Their attention is now, then it’s gone. They don’t dwell on the past or anticipate the future. They reside in the present—with no expectations. They’re just happy now.
Learn new tricks, even if your dog is unsuccessful. The process is what matters. And timing. Laugh. Make mistakes together. Exercise patience. These moments are part of your forever memories. Dogs learn by conditioning and association. They respond with immediate reward. That’s why timing is critical, especially when they’re learning.
Dogs learn to live in every moment. Every. Single. Precious. Moment.
Constantly look for ways to provide healthy physical activity and mental stimulation. Pet puzzles and games can be effective in keeping your pet’s mind sharp throughout all stages of their life.
One on one attention, mental stimulation strategies, and reading books to your pets are just a few activities that you can do with your pet. Several pet care facilities add on “extras” like reading to their guests, blowing bubbles, or taking action videos.
Never, ever wish that your pet will slow down. Because, inevitably, they will.
Create Adventure: Live For Now
Whether it’s a new direction around the block or a curious sniff and walk together. Adding adventure to you and your pet’s life is worth the extra energy you will expend.
“Because of my dog, I started a small business, developing a program that incorporates dog exercise sessions. If I wouldn’t have made the time to exercise with my pup when he was 16 weeks old, I may have never started my dog yoga business.” —Sandy S.
Delight your pets and keep them happy.
No matter what age, you need to be willing to try new things and be innovative in your approach with your furry family member.
Make A Pact To Try Something New
Socializing your pup early on can provide adequate activity and favorable stimulation that they need. Senior pets can also benefit from new training courses, tips, and tricks.
Dogs need their person(s), but they also benefit from being around other dogs.
Doggy Day Camp
Pet Hotels provide safe and healthy pet care for your furry friends.
From Doggy Day Camp back-to-school parties to cleaning up for doggy prom dates, your dog will appreciate the attention.
Seek out your local and trusted Pet Hotel to watch your pets while you’re out and about. Camp gives your dog a chance to meet new humans and dog pals. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages enjoy carefully monitored playtime with dog pals. These Pet Professionals examine your pet’s age, size and temperament before even entering Camp’s play yard.
According to an article titled, “What You Should Know About The Stages of Grief” by Healthline, fond memories of our companion can fill the empty space left by the loss of a cherished pet. As you remember the pets who’ve passed through your life, please don’t forget the part of the relationship that included the best care you provided to them.
Take all the time you need to heal. The healing journey is a marathon. Not a sprint. Grieving is an individual experience. It is normal and okay to grieve.
There’s no rush on getting over your dog. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s also never ‘just a dog.’ Your dog was yours. The unique relationship was between you and your dog alone.
You loved your dog in ways you alone understand. You don’t need to justify or explain this affection.
Your dog was important to you, and that’s all that matters.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1972, the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories established
Pet Memorial Day.
You’ll never really understand this pain until your pet’s quality of life diminishes and you find yourself holding on for dear life. Your dog will tell you when it’s time. As unusual as it sounds, ask your dog to tell you they’re ready. Then give them permission to let go, when it’s time.
“I struggled with the decision even on our ‘Rainbow Bridge’ day. My Veterinarian stood by my side and said, ‘You don’t have to make the decision—I’ll make the decision for you.’ I don’t know what I would’ve done without my Veterinarian’s strength. —Chris B.
Keep Both Past And Present Pets Front Of Mind.
Proactive actions often offer a tangible way to cope with the grief of losing a family member and give you the chance to share your memorials.
If you’re seeking a way to memorialize your pet, here are some ideas to consider:
Don’t try to change your dog. Accept them just the way they are.
Keep a journal of each day with your dog at Doggy Day Camp
In honor of your admiration of your pet, author a book
Devote your mission to helping other Pet Parents
Surround and immerse yourself with animals
Establish a powerful support system with like-minded individuals
Get creative: Design a memorial tattoo or learn how to paint a portrait of your pet
Write a poem, letter, or blog about your pet
Take nothing for granted and organize a keepsake photo album well in advance
Plant a flower, tree, or garden memorial dedicated to your pet
Create a stepping stone with a paw print, and place it in a pet garden.
Donate funds to a local shelter in honor of your pet’s name
Volunteer playtime or foster pets most in need at a rescue organization
Organize a volunteer group to go to local dog parks to clean up debris
Help train new animals for rescue and recovery by donating time to your local police department or fire rescue canine unit in honor of your pet’s name
Plan a fundraiser event for a worthy animal cause
Consider creating your pet’s Social Media page and join relative groups such as “iheartseniordog” for community support and pet topics
Find resources for interesting ways to make memories at home with your dog
Seek out a career that revolves around the pet industry
On September 13, include #NationalPetMemorialDay within your Social Media posts
Stay Prepared And Pre-Plan
All pets deserve dignity and respect for the end of their life. A final resting place should be a beautiful celebration of your pet’s life. Your pet’s sensitive needs must be treated with utmost respect and care.
Research beautiful memorial tributes across the nation and in your area. Make certain your selected memorial is a special place to visit your pet on a regular basis. Harperlawn Pet Memorial Gardens in Michigan is just one location that offers you and your pet peace and serenity on lush and sprawling grounds.
National Pet Memorial Day
National Pet Memorial Day is the second Sunday in September. The holiday offers us an opportunity to remember the pets who’ve passed through our lives. Observe #NationalPetMemorialDay in your own unique ways.
Children And Pets? Write A Letter To Your Children From Their Dog Angel:
Describe their first moments together
Reiterate that there’s room in their heart to love and care for another fur baby
Explain that their special angel dog will bring a new pet to them when they know they’re truly ready, no sooner
Let your kids know that their next dog will indeed pick them to love
Confirm that there will always be a permanent place in their hearts for your dog
Know When (Or If) You’re Ready For A New Pet
Recognize if you have enough love in your heart for other animals that come after your little buddy.
Try wrapping your arms around a new dog to connect with. However, if you’re not ready to care for another pet—or if there’s not a connection immediately—don’t force the healing process.
A new pet can bring a sense of joy and fresh starts to a family. They can’t replace the dog you lost, however, they might provide a hopeful beginning. In addition, this new furry member of your family could possibly give a renewed sense of responsibility for you, your children, and/or other grieving family members.
How To Keep Your Dog In Your Heart Forever
Our pets remain a fabric thread, woven into our heart strings.
While your home may be awfully quiet without the shuffle of paw prints or constant jingle of dog tags from the other room, your little buddy will never leave your heart.
Keep your dog in your heart—always. They would want you to be happy.
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog…
You are his life, his love, his leader…
He will be yours faithful & true, to the last beat of his heart…
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion…
My Charlie boy” 💙 —Steve C.
When you lose a pet, take all the time you need to heal.
The healing journey is different for everyone. Take care of yourself, your children, and your other pets that you may have in your home. They need you too. Be strong, yet be gentle on yourself during this painful healing journey.
Healing could be about dedicating your life to the pet industry or expressing yourself with the newness of fostering a rescue animal or volunteering time at your local shelter. Please allow yourself permission for a new chapter in your life.
Most notable, while your dog—or dogs—are with you, live large. Celebrate every one of your pet’s birthdays. Capture memories. Laugh with each tail wag. Enjoy each precious moment.
It’s simple: Give your pets the best life they could ever ask for. Don’t wait. Do it now.
NATIONAL PET MEMORIAL DAY
On the second Sunday in September, National Pet Memorial Day offers a moment to remember pets who have passed.
Would you like to purchase a day of Camp for another dog in honor of their name?
Best Friends Pet Hotel offers themed parties and safe exercise for loads of fun. Camp benefits your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Current vaccinations are required for an interview. Book an appointment today.
Want to know more ways to create memories with your pet? VISIT: Best Friends Pet Hotel or call your local Best Friends Pet Hotel.
About The Author:
Christine A. Bournias resides in Michigan with her 2-pack; two new beautiful adopted miracles. As her “Angelwriter”, Nicodemus (1997-2010) is the wisdom behind the stories she shares. Christine champions the magnitude of building the bond between a dog and their person(s) by means of respectful communication and enduring admiration.
Fan Share Friday compiles all of your videos and pictures into a single episode full of fur, floppy ears, and belly rubs. This week’s episode is all of that and more! Watch to see a familiar face 🐶🐱!
This is our final Fan Share Friday episode as part of our “Best Friends at Home” video series. But no worries! – We’re making plans to continue featuring our fans and favorite furry ones into the future! So please continue to share your photos and videos with us. Send them to: marketing@bestfriends.net.
Watch all of our “Best Friends At Home” episodes at: http://bestfriendspetcare.com/best-friends-at-home
Test your knowledge of some of the most famous and notable dogs and cats in history, and learn some fun and interesting facts along the way! – Courtesy of your friends at Best Friends Pet Hotel.
Enjoy, have fun, and be sure to share your quiz results on social media when you’re finished.
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This week’s episode of “Fan Share Friday” includes encounters with the outdoors, Livi’s Art Installation of Sleeping Positions, and birthday celebrations.
If you want to share with us what you’ve been doing with your pet at home, please send your pictures or videos to marketing@bestfriends.net. See you next week!
Not on our email list yet?… Click here to subscribe and get all new “Best Friends At Home” episodes delivered to your inbox.
For any crafty people who have leftover material, we would like to show you how you can use it. In this episode of “Best Friends at Home” we teach you a simple no-sew process to make a bow tie for your pet’s collar. While your pet is feeling fabulous with this new look, lean into those extra purrs and tail wags. You deserve it!
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What do you get when you combine a dog dressed for mariachi with a math homeschooling lesson for your furry friend? This week’s Fan Share Friday video! We are getting a little goofy. Or perhaps we always were, and now we just have the pictures and videos to prove it 😉. Whatever the case, enjoy this episode and let the goofiness ensue!
If you want to share with us what you’ve been doing with your pet at home, please send your pictures or videos to marketing@bestfriends.net. See you next week!
Not on our email list yet?… Click here to subscribe and get all new “Best Friends At Home” episodes delivered to your inbox.
To celebrate our wonderful PET MOMS on this Mother’s Day, Best Friends Pet Hotel asked our guests’ moms to submit photos – of them with their loving fur babies – for a special tribute video.
The overwhelming response of photo submissions was a pleasant surprise, and we’re so happy we got to include every single one! Enjoy!
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It’s Fan Share Friday! Check out the latest in dog fashion, silly tricks, and popular napping poses during this episode. You may feel you’ve been cooped up for a while, but your pets don’t think it has been long enough! They appear to be loving the extra attention.
Please continue sharing your pictures and videos with us. Send them to: marketing@bestfriends.net. See you next week!
Not on our email list yet?… Click here to subscribe and get all new “Best Friends At Home” episodes delivered to your inbox.
