Keeping naughty pets nice this Christmas

~ From traveling to house guests to gifts, animals can complicate the already hectic holiday season.

Christmas trees and kitties don't always mix.

And the combination of a dog, a few house guests and a roast turkey can lead to more than one kind of mess.

The change of pace and somtimes-new surroundings of the hectic holidays have an impact on pets as well as people. And sometimes, that impact can bring out the worst in pets (as well as people).

Here's a look at some animal-related holiday issues and advice on dealing with them from local pet professionals and national experts.

Bad dog!

Many a carefully decorated tree and plate of tasty cookies have been tarnished by the attention of felines and canines alike. And nearly every family has at least one constantly sneezing relative who blames his or her sniffles on animals.

To keep animals out of trouble, Sandy Miller with K9 Training Center in Cape Girardeau says animal crates are a good option.

Put those crates in a bedroom or other low-traffic area, advised Miller.

"You also need to make sure guests know not to feed pets," she said.

Grapes, chocolate and raisins are a few foods that can be dangerous, Miller said. There are other pet dangers as well, including plants such as poinsettas and possibly mistletoe and holly.

A few other suggestions from Miller:

* Don't leave animals outdoors too long when it's cold

* Consider boarding or daycare during the holidays

* Make sure the animal is secure in a crate when traveling

* Try using ginger (as in ginger snaps) to help a dog's upset stomach when traveling

* Take your pet's license, tags and medical records when traveling

Doggie depression

Lifelong meditator and dog lover James Jacobson says the holidays can definitely be stressful for pets.

Jacobson recently published "How to Meditate with Your Dog: An Introduction to Meditation for Dog Lovers," after discovering how much he enjoyed meditating with his Maltese.

Jacobson believes meditating deepens the connection between dogs and their owners, and also relieves dogs' stress and promotes better health.

"Meditation is great for you also, especially during the holidays," Jacobson wrote. "Meditation helps you slow down and stay in the present moment, while at the same time lowering both blood pressure and heart rate."

According to Jacobson's Web site, the book teaches readers: How to use the love they have for their dogs as the basis for a regular meditation practice; how to deepen the bond between "pack leader" and dog; how to cultivate compassion, and bring more peace and focus into daily life; how to live in the moment and let go of stress; and that life is a bowl of liver snacks.

"Dogs are natural meditators," Jacobson said. "Your dog may look like he's staring into space, but he's actually 'hound lounging' and living in the moment."

Giving the gift of growls

Pets can be a terrific gift. Or not.

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri does not usually recommend picking up a pet as a Christmas present, said office manager Sarah Carr.

"Sometimes it's a spur-of-the-moment decision. The animal looks really cute as a puppy, but maybe it's not what the recipient wants," said Carr. "Most people don't realize what kind of committment it is."

Carr said the Humane Society is busier at this time of the year, especially with parents picking out pets for their children.

"We always recommend giving a basket with a doggie care book, a leash and a collar, so the recipient knows they can get a pet, but then let them pick it out," said Carr.

Carr also suggests researching the type of pet you're interested in, to make sure it's a match for your lifestyle and home environment. The American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org offers a search option for potential puppy owners to research the temprament and other information on various breeds.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128