2023-08-28
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and what better way to spend that time of joy than sharing it with our beloved ones? Our dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs...regardless of what species our pets are, they are not just animals we take care of, but also family members. As such they also deserve to be included in our festivities.
However, holiday celebrations can sometimes be overwhelming not only for us but also for our pets. That is why it is important to make sure that they feel safe and comfortable during these times.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to celebrate the holidays with your beloved pet and make sure that they also have a fun experience without being stressed.
During the holiday season, it's not just us who deserve to receive presents - our furry friends do as well! Whether it's a special toy, a cozy bed, or a tasty treat, there are many ways for us to show how much we love our pets. However, it is important that you make sure to choose gifts that are safe and suitable for your pet, based on their age, breed, and lifestyle.
You should remember, that regardless of how expensive or cool the gift is, the best things you can ever give them as a present are your love and attention.
What better way to spend the holidays than decorating at home and creating a festive atmosphere? With a beloved pet by your side, you can have the most amazing time while showing your creativity at home! However, you should keep in mind to use only pet-friendly decorations. Avoid or make sure to put decoration that is potentially dangerous to your pet in hard-to-access places. This type of decoration may include a poinsettia, mistletoe, or any sharp and small ornaments that can be easily swallowed and digested. Also, you should keep cords and wires away from your pet to ensure that they won’t have the opportunity to chew on them and cause harm to both themselves and the decor.
Although the process of carefully choosing the decoration and being considerate, may sound a bit annoying, it can actually help you show your creativity!
Who said matching holiday sweaters? Those of you who enjoy giving matching shirts or sweaters as holiday presents may be tempted to put a matching outfit on your pets as well! Fairy creatures, festive colors, glitter... Even those of you who are not otherwise fond of all these “too sweet” things, might feel the urge to dive into the holiday fever! A holiday outfit is likely to make your beloved pet even cutter and irresistible to cuddle.
However, it is important to choose an outfit that your pet will feel comfortable wearing. If your dog or cat does not seem to enjoy it, please do not force them to wear it. Also, it is essential to opt for a quality fabric to avoid any skin irritations that may be caused by the clothing.
We all have this family member who does not like being included in the family photos, don’t we? Sometimes, it could be our dog or cat, who makes photo bombs or just ignore our attempts to include them in the photo sessions.
If your dog, cat, rabbit, bird, guinea pig, hamster...etc., does not mind or even enjoys participating in photo sessions, then you have another cool idea on how to spend holidays with your pet! Also, you can try to capture your pet in a funny moment that reveals their joyful and sweet personality.
Holidays are the time of the year when we feel “allowed” to eat whatever we want. Maybe our pets can also enjoy some cheat meals during the holidays?! You can buy your pet some delicious treats or prepare homemade ones. Our article “Dog Birthday Cake Homemade Recipes” may provide you with some good ideas.
You should always keep track of your pet’s weight and put them on a healthy diet, based on their age, breed, and lifestyle. However, occasional spoiling is not so bad, isn’t it?
Yes, holidays can be very hectic and overwhelming for all of us. However, this does not mean that we should stop sticking to our pets’ routines, as predictability means to them "safety". Sticking to a schedule as much as possible, will benefit our dogs and cats and make them feel calm and safe. Also, regular veterinarian checks, brushing, bathing (based on the dog breed), and taking care of their oral hygiene should be among our priorities when taking care of a pet.
In order to alleviate your pet’s stress during the holiday season, you may consider setting up an area at home, where they can relax and play without being included in all the rush and mess associated with holidays.
It is important that you provide them with items that have a calming effect, such as plush toys and warm blankets as well as toys that can keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
If your pet gets stressed due to the presence of guests at home, ensure that they can either spend a nice time alone in a separate and calm area of the house or that they are properly socialized.
Another option would be to ask a close friend for help or eventually hire a pet sitter / contact a daycare center. This way you will ensure that your dog or cat will be able to spend some pleasant time without being stressed.
Regular walks, and exercises, adapted to your dog’s energy level, age, and needs, should always be taken into account. Our paw friends will still have their needs to explore the environment, play, run, chase...etc., whether it is a holiday or not.
Some pets develop a really strong bond with their owners. If you are one of those lucky people, who have a strong bond with their cat or dog, you can be sure, that your pet can understand when you do not have time for them.
Our pets can also be jealous or feel ignored and sad. Make sure that you can spend quality time with your beloved par companion pet and show them that you care.
Holidays are a special time of the year, that we typically spend with our closest and most beloved ones. Since our pets are also an important part of the family, we should make sure that they can enjoy that time as well. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to make sure that your pets feel included and comfortable during the holiday season.
