When the house begins to fill up with family, friends and more importantly food, it can get a little hairy trying to keep both visitors and pets happy. Here are some ideas we've come up with to help ease the stress on all involved.
- Give your dogs a good walk or romp in the yard early in the day to help tire them out and release some of the tension they've been sensing in you and other family members leading up to the big day. Not only will it help to stretch their legs, but it's a good way to relax yourself as well and take a moment to enjoy the upcoming festivities. Cats may not be as open to such rowdy behavior and may prefer to simply bask in the warmth of the kitchen or the solitude of the bedroom.
- Feed your pets before guests arrive. This will cut down on some of the unsightly table side begging without the feelings of guilt on your part for not sharing the delicious spread on the table. I usually give my dogs a large raw knuckle bone in their crates which makes us both happy. They are out of the way during dinner but at the same time I know they're enjoying their special treats in a safe manner. Kongs, Busy Buddies, or other such time consuming treats/snacks are helpful in holiday situations.
- Don't let guests feed your pets table scraps. I like to let my pets have a little taste of what we had for dinner, but I know what they're getting and how much. If visitors are giving them a little here and there, then you aren't able to monitor it as closely, so better to tell everyone in the beginning to not feed the animals.
- Cooked bones of any kind are very dangerous, do NOT let your pets eat them. They can splinter and cause serious damage in their intestinal tracts. Raw bones are safe but should still be supervised. Check out our "Howlidays approacheth" blog post for more information on toxic food items to avoid.
- Consider keeping your pets contained while guests are over. True pets are an integral part of our family, but with numerous visitors during the holidays risks of escape or eating something they shouldn't rise, especially when our attention is split between entertaining and cooking. Perhaps the best bet is to settle your pets into a quiet room where they can relax enjoy some down time.
We hope these tips will help keep you, your pets, and your visitors happy and safe this howliday season. At the end of the day (every day, not just holidays!) be sure to give your pets some extra attention to let them know they are loved and to build your bond with them. Making us happy is what they live for.
