Cats are the experts in mischief among the animal kingdom, as demonstrated above by one of our shop cats Mr Tiddles! With shiny baubles, rustly paper, and ribbon trailing all over the place, it's no wonder they're tempted.
Though they can be creatures of habit, cats also appreciate novelty. It's an idea to keep a new or favourite toy out of sight for a few days, then introduce it on Christmas day. Mr Tiddles and his sister Smudge love the Yeowww catnip toys, especially if they're heated up on the radiator first!
If your cat is food motivated, try scattering high reward treats- like Nature's Menu meaty snacks or dried chicken - around the house so they have to forage for it. This will fulfill their instincts to hunt whilst keeping them from shredding the tree! This is also perfect for overweight cats because it encourages them to work for their food rather than gulping it down.
If all else fails... try a radiator bed. If nothing the heat will send them in to total bliss!
Dogs are a little more awkward as they tend to want our attention more than anything! Again the novelty of giving them a new toy- and letting them unwrap the paper themselves!- can be a good distraction. For destructive pooches, try a soft toy with no stuffing, like the Skinneez range, or a hard rubber toy like a Kong.
Any toys you can fill with treats are a great way to keep your dog occupied. Our girls love no-sugar pure peanut butter or liver paste in their Kongs, but alternatively you can use wet food or mix their dry food with hot water and stuff it inside.
Rawhide can suit some dogs, though at Shoreline we normally advise constant supervision whilst feeding them. They have a tendency to go slimy and can stick in the throat which could be dangerous. One of the hide rolls we sell, made by Farm Foods, we have found to be safer than most.
It's wrapped in oesophagus too which goes down very well!
Raw bones are a good and safe alternative- perhaps a leg off the turkey before it's cooked!- although if it's a bit too gory then antlers are a different option. They're packed with vitamins and minerals and last for hours, if not days. Chewing releases 'happy hormones' too, so giving them a good toy or treat can keep their stress and anxiety levels down.
NEVER give your dog or cat cooked bones- not only are they high in fat and very rich, they can splinter both in the mouth and the gut.
If you know your dog is likely to be stressed or overexcited at the festivities, make sure they get a lovely long walk in the morning. Excercise helps burn off energy, both in body and mind, which can help them be more balanced and calmer later on. A walk in a wooded area is perfect as it engages their natural urges to forage and use their noses. Here's Bree sporting her brand new reflective Ruffwear harness- now we can still spot her on those early bird walks!
We have plenty more tips and tricks to keep Christmas stress free- contact us on Facebook or by email on shorelinepets@gmail.com for some more! If you come in and see us your dog will always get a lovely festive treat on the house.
Love from the Shoreline Pack
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