The festive season in the lowveld is full of everything our pets find confusing, visitors coming and going, loud music, travelling, braais, and of course… fireworks.
While we look forward to the holidays, our pets often experience stress, fear, or sudden changes to their normal routine.
Here’s a simple, practical guide to keeping your furry family members safe and calm this December and New Year.
1. Fireworks: The Big One
New Year’s Eve can be terrifying for pets. Dogs and cats hear sounds far louder than we do, and fireworks can feel like explosions happening right next to them.
How to help:
- Create a safe space: A quiet room, closed curtains, their bed, and familiar smells.
- Play calming sounds: Soft music or the TV helps drown out bangs.
- Keep them indoors: Even the bravest dogs may bolt when scared.
- Microchip & tag them: This is the season when most pets go missing.
- Stay calm yourself: They pick up on your energy more than you think.
If you know your pet gets extremely anxious, speak to your vet early about safe calming options.
2. Holiday Visitors & Busy Homes
December is full of family gatherings, braais, and parties. While we love the vibe, some pets feel overwhelmed by all the action.
Tips for a happy household:
- Give them a quiet escape room when guests arrive.
- Remind visitors not to feed scraps (especially cooked bones, chocolate, grapes, alcohol).
- Keep gates and doors closed, excited guests often forget.
- Make sure kids know how to interact gently.
A little awareness goes a long way.
3. Heat & Summer Safety
A Lowveld summer can be beautiful, but also brutally hot.
Keep pets cool by:
- Always providing fresh water and shaded areas.
- Avoiding walks during peak heat (10:00–16:00).
- Never leaving them in a car, even for “just a minute.”
- Ensure they aren’t left in rooms without good air circulation
Heatstroke happens quickly, especially in brachycephalic dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers).
4. Safe Festive Foods
We all love a good Christmas meal or New Year’s spread, but not everything on our plates is safe for pets.
Dangerous foods include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Xylitol (found in many sweets and gums)
- Onions & garlic
- Cooked bones
- Alcohol
- Fatty leftovers
If you want to spoil them, choose pet-safe treats only, or homemade goodies made specifically for animals.
5. Holiday Travel & Pet Sitters
Whether you’re going away for a few days or a proper holiday trip, make sure your pets are properly cared for.
Your options:
- A trusted family member (Always good to have someone your pet recognises)
- A professional pet sitter (Helps you relax knowing someone with experience is keeping your pet safe)
- A reputable kennel/cattery (Although a good option, this often sparks anxiety in dogs, as they are suddenly away from their people, and in unknown environments)
If your pet is happiest at home, a sitter is often the least stressful option. They keep your pet in a familiar environment, maintain routine, and offer one-on-one attention, all while keeping your home looked after too.
6. Keep Routine as Normal as Possible
Animals thrive on consistency.
Try to keep:
- Feeding times
- Walk times
- Play times
- Sleeping arrangements
as close to normal as possible, even during the busy holiday season.
A Safe, Happy Festive Season for Your Pets
With just a little planning, awareness, and love, you can help your pets enjoy the festive season just as much as you do. Whether you’re celebrating quietly at home or heading out for the holidays, your animals depend on you to keep them safe.
If you need reliable, loving, and professional help with your pets this December or New Year’s, we’re here for you.
Visit us at: www.lowveldsitters.co.za
Because your pets deserve the best, especially over the holidays.