Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Our home was filled with visitors, both of the human and canine kind, during the week and nothing makes me happier than cooking for a houseful of people and dogs. It certainly got me not only ready, but excited for the upcoming holiday season as I am now already reviewing recipes for Christmas cookies and planning my holiday party menus. ’Tis the season!

As we become deep in the throws of the holiday season, here are some tips to keep your pets safe and healthy:

1. Just as we are trying to watch our waistlines, be conscious of your pets’ weight as well. In lieu of the store bought high-calorie treats, try giving them fresh vegetables like carrots or at least consider purchasing more holistic treats with simple healthy ingredients like oatmeal and apples.
2. Don’t forget to exercise! Our hectic holiday schedules in conjunction with the colder temperatures are easy excuses to forgo the daily walks, but don’t let that deter you. Daily exercise is good for both you and your pup, so put on your winter coat and go for a walk. Your dog will be happy and you will both be healthier for it.
3. During the holiday chaos, it is easy to forget things. But please, don’t forget to give your dog or cat their heartworm treatment. Just because they are indoor pets does not mean they are not at risk. Never gamble with your pet’s heartworm protection. The stakes are too high and often fatal. A simple way to remind yourself is to create a monthly repeating reminder on your phone or electronic calendar.
4. Beware of Christmas decorations and gift wrap! Dangling decorations, curling ribbons, gift wrap, and live holiday plants, such as poinsettias, are often the best part of the holidays for our curious pets. However, if ingested, these items can cause at the very least an upset stomach, or worse, blockage that can lead to more serious or even fatal issues. Keep your pets safe this holiday season by keeping these potentially dangerous items out of reach.
5. ​Don’t forget to hug your pet each day and take time to be thankful for everything you have. Remember to take time in your day to reflect on at least one thing that you are grateful for, including our loyal furry companions.​

This will be our last blog post for 2016, so we want to take this moment to wish you and your family a holiday season filled with love, gratitude and affection. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year as we have so many exciting things in store for 2017. 

Happy Holidays…from our family to yours!​

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PS: Many of you are probably already in the throws of holiday shopping as we are here at the farm, and if you are anything like me, you like to include your furry friends on that long list of gifts to give. If you are looking for that perfect gift for your pet or a friend that is a pet parent, then check out these gift ideas from Life’s Abundance!

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