The holiday season is beautiful, but it can be stressful, even for our pets. A lot is going on, and many people are coming over to meet. This can make our pets anxious and stressed. If you are hosting holiday gatherings or going over to family and friend holiday events, we have some tips that may help you and your pet keep calm and collected this holiday season. Here is how to keep your pets stress free this holiday season.
Keep a Regular Exercise Schedule
Some ways to keep energy and stress under control are as simple as going on regular walks with your dogs and keeping playtime steady with your cats. Exercise will allow your pet to release its energy and ease its mind, so you won’t have pent-up stress to deal with. A walk or some playtime in the morning or before your event can make a massive difference in your pet’s energy levels. After a good activity session, your pet may laze around as you run around making last-minute preparations.
Remove any Dangerous Decorations or Items
A considerable stress reliever is knowing all your holiday decorations are safely set up and pose no dangers to your pet. Electrical cables and flammable objects can seriously harm your pets and home. It’s best to keep these things hidden or tucked away from view. Other fragile decorations should also be placed carefully around the house. Ideally, away from reach or being eaten or chewed. Lastly, be sure to opt for fake holiday decorative plants like poinsettias. Real poinsettias are poisonous to pets and can make them very sick.
Create a Safe Space
Like people, our pets need to step out in busy situations for a couple of moments. We can’t blame them for needing to take a breather from the noise and all the people. Be sure to create a safe place for your pet to run off to that’s restricted to others. This can be a room or nook somewhere in your home. You can fill this space with everything that makes them feel safe and comfortable, such as blankets, toys, or a piece of clothing with your scent. This will make your pet feel comfortable and secure and allow them to recharge their social battery.
Review Some Basic Training and No New Introductions
If you’re expecting guests this holiday season, refresh your dog’sdog’s training, especially if your dog is a barker or jumper. Even though it is your pet’spet’s home first, it will give you peace of mind knowing your pet is behaving correctly and will have no issues with your guests. A short daily refresh leading up to the event can significantly improve their behavior. In addition to refreshing basic training and training cues, it’s crucial that no new introductions are being made during your event, especially if one dog is not social. Introductions can be stressful for pets and can take time. It’s best to avoid new introductions in your home in general.
Hire a Professional Pet Sitter
If you are going away to a holiday event, hire a pet sitter. A professional pet sitter can provide the care your pet needs and provide you the peace of mind of knowing they are providing quality care that is specialized to your pet. Be sure to check out Luv My Sitter and their pet-sitting services. Spots are filling up fast for the holidays, so be sure to reach out as soon as possible to reserve your spot and find out why Austin loves Luv My Sitter for their pets.
Here are some ways on how to keep your pets stress free this holiday season. Ultimately, you know your pet best, so be sure to take safety precautions and make appropriate holiday preparations. Being ready will bring you the peace of mind and joy we all love this holiday season.