A Happy Christmas Home for Pets and Guests – Karen Boyce ensures harmony at home when Christmas guests and pets meet.
A Safe and Enjoyable Experience
Christmas often means welcoming guests into your home, which can be exciting and challenging for pet owners. With visitors ranging from toddlers to seniors – and varying levels of comfort around animals – planning ahead ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Make Enquiries
Find out how your guests feel about your pets. Some may be allergic, afraid, or uneasy around animals. Knowing this in advance allows you to plan, such as moving Daisy the tarantula out of sight for any with a spider phobia or preparing allergy-friendly spaces for those sensitive to cats or dogs.
2. Create a Safe Space for Pets
Designate a quiet area where your pets can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. A cosy corner with their crate, bed, toys, water, and treats provides a comforting sanctuary. A baby gate can also help control access to certain areas. Consider running a calming diffuser in these spaces, such as Pet Remedy.
3. Set House Rules for Guests
Clearly explain pet-related boundaries, such as keeping doors closed to prevent escapes or refraining from feeding pets table scraps. Guests should also know how to interact with your pets – too much attention can lead to overexcitement or trouble for your furry friend. Secure doors to prevent house pets, like indoor-only cats or rabbits, from accidentally escaping.
4. Supervise Children and Pets
Children and pets can have wonderful interactions, but supervision is key. Teach kids to approach pets calmly and recognise signs of stress, like growling or hissing. Providing pet toys can help foster positive experiences. If necessary, remind children to call for an adult if they notice a pet showing discomfort.
5. Minimise Christmas Hazards
Holiday decorations and treats can pose risks to pets. Keep items like tinsel, string lights, and fragile ornaments out of reach. Many festive foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and certain nuts, are toxic to pets. Let guests know not to share food without checking first.
6. Plan for Breaks
Ensure your pets get regular breaks, especially dogs. A slow, sniff-filled walk can help manage their energy or stress. Cats may need uninterrupted nap time in a quiet bedroom to stay relaxed and happy.
7. Stock up on Supplies
When preparing for guests, don’t forget extra supplies for your pets. Treats, chews, and even frozen snacks can help keep pets occupied for longer stretches.
8. Celebrate Together Safely
Including pets in holiday festivities can be delightful. Pet-safe stockings, festive treats, and family photos with furry friends are great ways to involve them. However, know when to give your pets a break—too much activity can overwhelm them. Avoid having pets around during hectic games or activities.
With a bit of preparation, you can make your home welcoming for pets and guests. You’ll create a joyful holiday atmosphere filled with warmth and goodwill by prioritising everyone’s comfort and safety.
We hope you enjoyed reading A Happy Christmas Home for Pets and Guests. Click here to read more of our Pet articles.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the owner of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Service (BTPDS), the largest pet dog training establishment in Wales. BTPDS specialise in puppy training and reactive dogs, but offer a whole host of obedience training classes, lectures, webinars and online training hubs and groups. Karen was named Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year in 2019. Tel: 07970 488 395 Email: info@beastlythoughts.co.uk Additional Instagram profile: beastlythoughtsdogservices
