Hosting the holidays can be a great way to expose your pet to all the fun and excitement the season brings. If you’re hosting friends or family this year, you may be wondering how you can prepare your pet.
By thinking ahead, you can help make sure you, your guests, and your pet have an extra-not-ordinary time together. Here are our top tips to help make this season extra special for your dog or cat.
Tip #1: Make a game plan
Before your guests come over, make sure those with allergies are aware of your pet. Additionally, make a plan for where your pet will be when they arrive — will they need to be put in their crate or put in a separate room? When your guests arrive, set ground rules for how to interact with your pet (like not giving your pet people food) so everyone stays safe. This is also a good time to make sure food is at a safe distance from your pet.
Tip #2: Burn excess energy
To help make sure your pet is on their best behavior, spend some time playing with them and getting them outside before your guests arrive. You can take your dog on a long walk, play fetch, or use a teaser toy to help keep your cat active. Not only will your pet appreciate the exercise, but you both will also get some time to strengthen your bond.
Tip #3: Create a safe space
Prep your home before your guests arrive by making sure your pet has a safe space to retreat if they get overwhelmed. This can be a crate, room, or enclosed space that has a gate. You can provide them with food, water, toys, a bed, and anything else that helps them stay calm. To go the extra mile, you can even put on relaxing music to ease any anxiety they may have.
Tip #4: Stick to a routine
While you’re hosting, try to maintain your pet’s normal routine as much as possible to help them adjust. This includes regular potty breaks and feeding them at their normal time. By sticking to a schedule, you can help your pet feel more at home when surrounded by new people and other pets. When you feed them, add in a special surprise like a Yummers mix-in to include them in the holiday fun.