Holidays are often an exciting time for us humans of the world. There are decorations to pull out, trees to haul inside the house, candles to light, and presents to wrap galore. Friends and family pour into our homes, bringing laughter, cheer…and more new sounds and smells.
That’s right. From your pet’s point of view, there’s this strange time of year when everything randomly changes and a barrage of unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds flood your pet’s life.
No wonder the holiday season can make our pets feel anxious! The team at Oroville Animal Health Center wants you and your pet to enjoy the holiday season. Here’s how.
3 Tips for Promoting Pet Wellness During the Holiday Season
1. Establish a Safe Room for Your Pet
It’s important for your pet to have a safe space to retreat to when she feels the holiday stress come crashing down. If you tend to stay home and have family visit you, create a safe room or area in your house.
Add a cozy dog or cat bed, a white noise machine with soothing sounds, and a few favorite toys. Spend time inside the safe room with your pet before the holidays so that he’s used to it by the time your first guest rings the doorbell.
Keep in mind that pets who tend to act aggressively around strangers might need to stay in a crate inside a safe room in your house.
If you spend a lot of time away from home and you like bringing your pet with you, create a safe space with your pet’s crate. Again: cozy blankets, a white noise machine you can plug in nearby, and familiar toys will all help here.
With a secure space to call her own no matter what’s changing around her, your cat or dog will feel comfortable and safe throughout the holiday season.
2. Let Your Pet Help You Decorate
Pets are curious by nature. If you don’t want them to pay much attention to your Christmas tree or other decorations, give them the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity.
Bring the tree in—or set it up—and hold off on adding ornaments until your dog or cat is used to the strange new addition. Let them sniff it all they want.
Once they’re used to the tree, add ornaments. Put the biggest and least breakable ones on the bottom. Smaller ones should be up and out of your pet’s reach. Again, let your furry friend sniff and paw at the ornaments with your supervision. Before long, they’ll feel bored and want to move on to something else.
And for your own peace of mind, keep hazardous items like salt-dough ornaments, poinsettias, ribbons, and tinsel out of your pet’s reach.
3. Spend Extra Time With Your Pet on Days You’ll Be Busy
Before you get ready to welcome guests to the home you share with your pets, pay extra attention to your four-legged friends. Even better if it involves vigorous exercise for both of you.
Go for a long walk. Head to the dog park. Play a rousing game of cat-and-mouse with Kitty.
Give your pet lots of cuddles, an exciting new toy, and a tasty treat. (Just don’t go overboard with the treats).
This combination of attention and activity will fill your pet’s cup and help prepare her for a day of holiday chaos. She might even be tired enough to snooze the whole time you’re having your party!
Beat the Holiday Blues
If you’re worried about how to help your pet handle holiday stress, contact your veterinarian. Oroville Animal Health Center serves pets in Oroville, Chico, Paradise, and the rest of beautiful Butte County, California. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can enhance your pet’s wellness.