Paws, Plates and Festive Adventures

A Guide to Keeping Pets Safe, Happy & Hydrated

The festive season is full of sparkle ✨ — family gatherings, road trips, camping escapes, snowy walks, and (let’s be honest) a lot of food.

While we’re busy celebrating, our pets are right there with us — waiting patiently under the table, snoozing in the back seat, or bounding through snow like it’s the best day ever.

Here’s how to keep the holidays fun, safe, and stress-free for every furry family member.

🐶Festive Safety at Home: When Food Starts Falling from the Sky

Holiday meals smell incredible — and pets know it. Unfortunately, many festive favourites aren’t pet-friendly.

Foods to keep well out of reach:

• Fatty meats and leftovers
• Cooked bones
• Chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic
• Rich sauces, stuffing, desserts

Easy festive wins:

• Feed pets before guests arrive
• Gently remind visitors not to “just sneak one bite”
• Create a cosy spot away from the table with toys or treats
• Stick to your pet’s normal food routine
• A well-fed pet is far less likely to turn into a professional floor cleaner.

💧 The Disappearing Water Bowl (Yes, It Happens)

With doors opening, guests arriving, music playing and plates moving — water bowls often get forgotten.

Pets may drink less when:

• Their bowl gets moved
• The house feels busy or noisy
• They’re distracted by excitement (or dropped crumbs)

Keep hydration flowing:

• Refill bowls regularly
• Place water somewhere calm and familiar
• Encourage a few sips after walks, playtime, or meals
• Hydration helps with digestion, energy, and overall wellbeing — especially during treat-heavy seasons.

🏨 Choosing a Kennel or Dog Hotel Over the Holidays

If your pet is having their own little “staycation,” choosing the right place matters.

Questions worth asking:

• Are pets grouped by size and temperament?
• How often are they fed and watered?
• Is fresh water available at all times?
• Are routines kept consistent?
• Is someone on site overnight?

Green flags:

• Calm, clean spaces
• Staff who ask detailed questions
• Willingness to follow your pet’s usual feeding and drinking habits
• Familiar routines help pets feel secure — even away from home.

🚗 Sustenance on the Road (Cars, Campervans & RVs)

Holiday travel is exciting — but it’s easy for pets to miss meals or skip drinks while watching the world go by.

Road-trip rules:

• Stop every 2–3 hours
• Offer water at every stop (even if they’re “too excited”)
• Feed smaller meals if your pet gets over-stimulated
• Never leave pets in a parked car

💡 Travel tip: Many pets won’t drink from unfamiliar bowls. Having a familiar, spill-resistant water option — like the Torus water dispenser, which stores water inside the bowls walls and releases it as your pet drinks — can make hydration feel normal, spill-free and effortless, even on the move.

🏕️ Camping & ❄️ Snow Adventures: They Still Need H2O

Snow zoomies burn energy — and hydration matters just as much in winter as it does in summer.

Winter hydration myths (busted):

• “They don’t need much water in the cold” ❌
• “Eating snow is enough” ❌

Outdoor essentials:

• Offer water regularly during activity
• Stop bowls from freezing
• Encourage drinking after play or hikes
• Keep water easily accessible at campsites and rest stops - again Torus water dispensers are great here!
• Happy adventures start with hydrated paws.

🐾 Routine Is the Greatest Festive Gift

More than extra treats or toys, pets love:

• Regular mealtimes
• Easy access to fresh water
• Familiar routines
• A quiet place to retreat when things get loud
• Keep the basics steady, and your pet will enjoy the festivities as much as you do.

💙 Final Thought

Celebrate freely. Travel happily. Enjoy every moment.
Just remember to pause, look down — and make sure the water bowl isn’t empty.

From our family to yours, wishing you a festive season filled with wagging tails, gentle purrs, and well-hydrated adventures 🐾✨