Pet proof Your Holidays
‘Tis
the season of good cheer, celebration and visitors of all ages filling your home, which means it also is the season of confused
pets, nervous owners and the potential for problems. It need not be. A little planning and supervision can ensure that your holiday stays fun for all, from start to finish. Here are some tips:
Create a safe haven – Dogs can become anxious
or even protective around boisterous people, while frightened cats may bolt out an open door.
Thos of us who adore our pets may want them by our side, but it’s often better for your animal to give it sanctuary
instead. This might be in a crate or a quite bedroom.
A good
regimen to follow is to play with or exercise your pet vigorously before visitors arrive, then set the animal up in a safe
spot with a favorite toy, a soft place to nap, some snacks and a radio or TV on to help muffle the unusual sounds. Petting a worn T-shirt on the sleeping spot also can be comforting.
Prepare your home – If you feel you must
include your pet in the festivities, you’ll need to get your house ready. Before
visitors arrive, put away objects your dog many covet, such as its toys or food bowl.
A dog’s tendency to guard what it sees as its possessions can be addressed by training, but that takes time. Meanwhile, you don’t want Rover going nose to nose with a toddler over a ball.
Be ready to step in – Be prepared to intervene
on your pet’s behalf. You can do it with a smile, but do it – even
if it creates momentary family friction. If your cousin Bob gets a kick out of
slowly stalking your dog until it stars to bark in fright, stop him! If the twin
grandsons are crawling under the table after your cat, who has beaten a hasty retreat, stop them! Never allow your animal to be chased or cornered.
Watch for signs of stress – In dogs, these
include yawning, hiding, clinging, panting rapidly, becoming motionless or trembling.
If your dog closes his mouth as someone approaches and/or licks his lips/nose, he’s saying, “I’m
nervous about this!” If your cat seeks high ground or a dark corner, if
her tail is lashing back and forth or she hisses, she isn’t happy!
Supervise – especially around children – Even
if your dog or cat is good with kids, excited children may inadvertently scare of hurt your pet, and something unwanted can
happen. Do not assume that any animal will be endlessly tolerant of kids playing
with it.
Often,
we unintentionally teach our pets behavior that can lead to trouble. If the dog
is allowed to grab a treat ever time you hold one at its face level, you have “taught” the dog to snatch food
from young children who hold food at that level. If you play with your puppy
by getting down on the floor, making excited sounds and moving quickly, you can expect your pup to playfully bounce onto a
toddler who is doing those same things.
There are
easy ways to teach your dog to behave calmly around children, but it can’t be done overnight. Make a promise to train your pet, so you’ll both be ready to fully enjoy the festivities next year. For now, though, pledge to do what it takes to keep both your pets and your guests
comfortable and safe this year. That way, your whole family – both two-footed
and four-footed can have a truly happy holiday.
