Author: Rose Gordon-Sala

Trimming the tree is one of those essential holiday traditions that makes the holiday season special. Unfortunately, dogs and Christmas trees are not always the best—or safest—combination.   “Depending on the size of the tree and the weight of a dog, a tree can get knocked over on the dog,” says Arden Moore, founder of The Pet Health and Safety Coach in Dallas, Texas. “There could be a limb injury, sprain, or a fracture. If you have a little Shih Tzu and an 8-foot tree, who’s going to win?”  Add breakable ornaments, gifts, and even tree water that can pose a risk to dogs, and you’ve got a dangerous situation on your hands. So, how do you dog-proof a Christmas tree?  Keep the magic in Christmas by using dog-friendly decorations (those fragile ornaments must go!), physical barriers, and training cues to keep your furry best friend away from the tree.  

Understand the airline carrier’s rules for dogs on planes—before you book your ticket, says Charlie Hobart, public relations manager for United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois. “Review all the information … in terms of the policies,” Hobart says. “What you need to do when you get to the airport, what needs to be done when you get on board the aircraft, and most importantly, what you should do to prepare your pet for the travel experience.” Each airline’s rules may vary, but most will require dogs to be stowed in an airline approved pet carrier of specific dimensions at your feet for the whole flight.,Ready to jet off on vacation? Taking your dog along can make a family getaway all the more fun, but before you put Fido in his carrier, it’s best to prepare for traveling with a dog on a plane. It isn’t as simple as showing up at the airport with your dog in tow. Frequent fliers agree that flying with a dog can be a pleasant experience for all—if you take a few important steps. They share their secrets for a stress-free flight below.

Turning small living spaces into cat-friendly apartments is easy. Cats don’t mind the lack of legroom the way a human might, says Carole Wilbourn, The Cat Therapist. In fact, many cats purposely tuck themselves into impossibly small crevices for privacy and stress relief. “They’re fine in a studio apartment,” says Wilbourn, who lives in New York City, aka the land of small apartments. “When cats are upset, they go into small spaces. We do, too. We go into the tub!” Cat parents still have to do their part to ensure their furry roommates have everything they need. Stocking up on cat supplies, particularly those that maximize your small space, can help make your cat more comfortable. “Cats need a quiet place, a private place to hang out, and it needs its litter box away from the traffic,” says Wilbourn. “It needs its food in a convenient spot. It likes to climb, so a place that’s high that it can hang out in, and it needs spaces to crawl into to be away from things.” If your kitty’s needs go unmet, you might encounter bad behavior from your feline friend. “Deviant behaviors, such as not using the litter box, or being aggressive, or being shy or withdrawn, or being destructive—that’s how they communicate to the person that they’re anxious and that something is wrong,” Wilbourn explains.