The holidays are a wonderful time of year for family gatherings, parties with friends and in many cases, out-of-town house guests. With all the holiday excitement, it is easy to forget how stressful and overwhelming this time of year can be for your furry companions. Keeping in mind key seasonal pet care tips to help your animals adjust to the influx of people, decorations and festivities is a great way to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Dogs, cats, small animals, birds and other pets sometimes act out when they are over-stimulated or find themselves in uncomfortable situations, such as with numerous house guests who smell strange and unfamiliar to them. It is also important to bear in mind that your house guests may make mistakes in the way they interact with pets they are meeting for the first time. Additionally, if you are going to have children visiting your house for the holidays, be sure your pet will get along well with them or come up with a solution that will benefit both the children and your dog or cat.
Here are some more seasonal pet care tips to help prepare your pet (and you!) for having house guests this holiday season.
Brush up on Your Pet’s Training Skills
Before your guests come for the holidays, it is a good idea to give your pet a refresher course on some basic commands. Taking some extra time with your pet to go over certain commands (such as down and sit) will help ensure he will remember his training when your guests arrive.
A bonus tip: Be sure to reward your pet with a little more than you normally do for his or her good behavior during the visit from your house guests. They deserve it!
Create a Safe Retreat for Your Pet
It is a good idea for you to prepare a “safe place” for your pet to retreat to while you have house guests. Some pets don’t do well with crowds or too much excitement, so it will benefit you both if your pet has a place to escape to when things get too loud or busy over Christmas and New Year’s. You could put a crate in a quiet back bedroom, or if you have the space to dedicate a room to your pup or kitty and put a baby gate up in the doorway, that could work too.
Exercise is Key
Before your guests arrive, be sure to exercise your dog or play with your cat for an extra-long time. Allowing your pets to expend some of their extra energy before all the holiday festivities and out-of-town visitors will help them stay a little calmer with all the new people coming and going.
Keep your Pets Stimulated
Lastly, be sure to give your pets something to keep them stimulated while you have house guests. Whether it is something they can play with while hanging around you and your guests or a fun and stimulating toy to keep them occupied in another room, this is a great way to ensure they don’t become overwhelmed during the holidays.
The holiday season brings joy, laughter, love and a reason to get together with friends and family. However, for your pet this can sometimes be quite frightening and overwhelming. Taking the time to prepare your pet for holiday visitors before they arrive is one of the smartest things you can do. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones, and your pet will also be happier for your efforts!
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