While you are out running around this holiday season making everything just perfect for family and friends, don't forget that your pets can get caught up in all the extra preparations, and the stress that goes along with plans, trips, rearrangements in the home, and guests. 

Some of our pets are OK with this and thrive, just like some people thrive on the happy chaos.  Others get needy and cling trying to find a sense of calm or a place they can be alone.  Keep an eye on your pet during this time.  This may be the time to refresh yourself and your pet with a game that has been forgotten or not played in a while.  

One thing you can do to help your pet is to tell them what is going to happen.  For instance if you have relatives coming to visit, let your pet know.  It is easy, just talk with him or her. Say what you would as if you were talking with another person.  This helps your pet know there is a change coming.  

If you have guests coming, you might say “Bubba, Uncle John and Aunt Mary are coming next week to stay with us for 4 days.  They will be in the guest room.  Would you be willing to help me greet them and make them feel welcome?”  This lets your pet know who is coming, how long they are staying and by asking to help greet and make your human guests welcome, you have included your pet.  They really do appreciate being asked and invited to take part of your activities. 

Take an extra second to be sure your holiday treats are not where the pets can get at them. Most of us know of a creative pet who can get into a locked cabinet or up on a cupboard to sample things. Make sure you have some good for them treats on hand.  While it is tempting to offer human food, most of us know it isn’t good for our companions. 
 

It is also good to take a look at your holiday decorations as some can be poisonous to our pets, like poinsettias, and amaryllis for example.  If you use tinsel in your decorations, be sure it is high enough that your pet cannot reach it.  Many pets find the soft floating tinsels attractive and can get tangled in it or swallow it causing all sorts of problems for your pet and you.  Ornaments that can be hung up or placed around your house may also have a good smell or look enticing.  Felted decorations may have a similar look or feel to a favorite chew toy.    It might be a good idea to check your emergency lists by your phones. You can also list numbers for poison control for people and animals.

One last word of advice. The holidays are often a time when families introduce a new animal to the household.   This is a wonderful thing to do.  You might consider adopting before a major holiday party in your house.  This gives more time to introduce the new member to the existing family and allows a chance for a bit of a routine to start.  

You might also wait until after the majority of your holiday has taken place.  Again, this allows you to get back to a routine and may offer up that extra time that can be needed when you have a new family member.  You want to have a smooth transition and a lot of happy memories to create throughout the year.  If you are considering a new puppy or kitten, be sure you ask your older dog or cat if they will help you by teaching the new arrival some of the house rules.  Allow them to have an adjustment period.  Some animals are eager to have a new companion.  Others might not be as happy, let them know you love them and want them to be happy too.