Pet-Friendly Home this year, holiday gatherings may look different than celebrations in years past. With traditions and large gatherings up in the air, pet parents can take some comfort in knowing they can still celebrate with their pets.
Before the festivities begin, however, it’s important for pet parents to ensure their homes are as pet-friendly as possible. Consider these tips from PetSmart’s resident veterinarian Jennifer Freeman, DVM, and training expert Jodie Havens, CPDT-KSA, to keep pets happy and healthy this holiday season.
Teach Good Table Manners
Table manners aren’t just for humans. Help prevent begging at the table by refraining from giving your pup food or attention. When you sit down for a meal, place your pet in a crate or pen, or encourage him or her to go to a special place like his or her bed or a comfortable chair.
“Divert your pup’s attention from tempting treats on the holiday table by providing an activity, such as a long-lasting chew or a puzzle toy,” Havens said.
If you don’t crate your pet during your holiday meal, avoid sharing human food under the table.
“Table scraps such as gravy and stuffing may look harmless, but even small amounts can lead to serious health issues,” Freeman said.
Instead, offer pet-friendly treats that look and taste like the holidays. For example, Simply Nourish Dog Treats come in turkey and cranberry flavors that are alternatives to the real things.
Create a Zen Space
The holidays can be hectic, and pets are prone to picking up on stress in the household. Even just one or two guests or stressed out pet parents can give a pet anxiety. Freeman recommends providing pets with a safe getaway.
“Stress and extra people in the home may cause your pet to act differently and even show signs of anxiety,” Freeman said. “To set up your pet’s retreat, use a crate or pen he or she is comfortable with, offer blankets or his or her favorite bed and place a few treats or chews inside.”
Exercise Caution When Decorating
While families may be brightening up their homes this holiday season, it’s important to ensure decor such as candles and seasonal plants are placed out of your pet’s reach. Flickering candles can be intriguing and seasonal plants like holly and poinsettia are poisonous to dogs and cats.
“Try providing a tall cat tree or scratcher near the holiday tree to redirect your kitty to an appropriate climbing apparatus,” Havens said. “The Merry & Bright Holiday House Cat Scratcher can help satisfy your cat’s instincts to scratch in fun, holiday fashion.”
Extra decor sometimes means more electrical cords, which can be tempting “chew toys” for your pet. Freeman recommends pet parents take special care to ensure electrical cords for festive lighting are not accessible by taping them down or covering them to help prevent injuries. Also remember to keep glass ornaments, tinsel, pinecones and light stands out of reach of your furry friend.
For more pet-friendly tips for the holiday season, visit petsmart.com.
SOURCE:
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Encourage Kids Healthy Eating Habits. As a parent, instilling healthy eating habits in your children at an early age can aid in proper growth and development. Eating well goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy weight, increasing energy levels, and improving moods while also reducing the risk of obesity and other chronic issues such as heart disease and diabetes later in life.
Set your children on a path to making lifelong nutritious choices with these tips:
Foster independence. Allowing your children to help with shopping and meal prep can aid in them taking ownership of what they’re eating. Start by divvying up easier tasks such as setting the table then work toward creating snacks and meals on their own. These Rainbow Fruit Parfaits are simple for kids to assemble – just set the ingredients out and let them layer – and can serve as a healthful on-the-go breakfast or after-school snack.
Offer balanced options. Children require balanced diets made up of all three major food groups, including fruits and vegetables, for proper development. Looking for the Produce for Kids logo next to nutritional, family-friendly items at the grocery store is an easy way to identify healthy food choices while also supporting local organizations that help children and families in need.
Be a role model. Typically, your children will follow your behaviors, which include the types of foods they select at mealtimes. Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables can help ensure your family is getting a complete range of nutrients. For example, a recipe like this Rainbow Buddha Bowl provides a combination of fresh and roasted vegetables that can be customized to meet your family’s tastes. Thinking about how many colors you eat in a day may inspire your kids to do the same, which can foster a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Encourage Kids Healthy Eating Habits
To find more healthy meal inspiration, including more than 500 registered dietitians- and family-tested recipes, visit produceforkids.com.
Rainbow Fruit Parfaits
Recipe courtesy of Produce for KidsPrep time: 10 minutesServings: 3
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
2 mandarins, peeled and segmented
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup red seedless grapes
1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
In parfait glasses, layer strawberries, mandarins, pineapple, kiwis, blueberries and grapes.
Top each fruit parfait with yogurt.
Rainbow Buddha Bowl
Recipe courtesy of Jodi of Create Kids Club on behalf of Produce for KidsPrep time: 30 minutesServings: 4
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 small purple cabbage, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 cups quinoa, cooked according to package directions
1 cup red cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 avocado, sliced
4 tablespoons yogurt ranch dressing
Heat oven to 425° F.
Place sweet potatoes, broccoli and cabbage on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are soft.
Divide cooked quinoa into four bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes and avocado.
Drizzle with dressing.
SOURCE:Produce for Kids
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