The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and gatherings, and for many pet owners in Atlanta, that includes our 4-legged friends. Hosting a holiday gathering can be a delightful experience, but it also requires careful planning to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests—both human and animal. Here are some essential tips to help you host a pet-friendly holiday gathering in Atlanta this holiday season.
1. Supervise All Pet Interactions, Especially with Kids
When children and pets are together, supervision is crucial. Kids may not always understand how to properly interact with animals, which can lead to unintended stress for your pets or even accidents.
Monitor all interactions closely, teaching babies, toddlers, and children how to approach pets calmly and respectfully. Encourage gentle petting and discourage any roughhousing or loud noises that might startle your pets. If you have a particularly anxious pet, consider creating a safe space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. More on safe spaces below.
If you’re a parent, here are some tips to help your pets and kids enjoy holidays together! And, if you’re a pet parent with kids and an Elf on the Shelf, check out last week’s blog to keep your pet safe from the elves’ antics.
2. Ask Guests Not to Feed Pets
While it may be tempting for guests to share their holiday treats with your pets, it’s essential to maintain control over what they eat. Many human foods can be harmful or even toxic to animals. To avoid any potential health issues, kindly ask your guests not to feed your pets during the gathering. Instead, provide designated treats that are safe for your pets to enjoy. This not only keeps your pets safe but also helps you manage their dietary needs.
Fox 5 Atlanta covers concerning holiday foods here. Nobody wants to end up at the emergency vet this holiday season, but your friends and family may not know what will make your pet ill.
3. Mind Entrances and Exits
With guests coming in and out of your home, it’s easy for pets to slip out unnoticed. To prevent this from happening, designate an area where pets can stay while guests arrive or depart. You might also consider using baby gates or keeping doors closed during busy times to minimize the risk of escape. If your pet is particularly curious or prone to darting out the door, consider using a leash or harness when guests are entering or leaving.
4. Keep an Eye on Food, Drinks, and Decor
Holiday gatherings often involve an array of delicious foods and festive decorations that can pose risks to pets. Ensure that food items such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and other toxic substances are kept out of reach of curious noses. Additionally, be mindful of decorations like tinsel, ornaments, and candles that could be hazardous if ingested or knocked over by an excited pet. Consider placing breakable items on higher shelves and using flameless candles for ambiance.
5. Create a Comfortable Environment
While it’s important to include your pets in the festivities, it’s equally vital to ensure they feel comfortable throughout the gathering. Set up a cozy area with their bed or favorite blankets where they can relax away from the hustle and bustle if needed. Providing toys or chew items can also help keep them entertained while allowing them some downtime.
Make sure they have access to food and fresh water while they are in their safe space and check on them often throughout your gathering to ensure they aren’t getting into trouble when they should be relaxing. And, remember to exercise pets and maintain their routines as much as possible before your event so they can relax when in their safe space.
Hosting a pet-friendly holiday gathering can create lasting memories for both you and your furry friends. By supervising interactions, managing food intake, securing entrances, monitoring decorations, and providing a comfortable environment for your pets, you can ensure that everyone enjoys the celebration safely.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate the love we have for our pets by including them in our gatherings while prioritizing their safety and well-being. With thoughtful planning and consideration, you can host an enjoyable event that brings joy to all—two-legged and four-legged alike!
Atlanta’s Best Pet Care Team
At Buckhead Pet Pals, we love to see families gathering, especially this time of year. We consider your families part of our families and, therefore, hope this blog gives you some smart ways to keep everyone happy.
Existing clients, please request dog walking and pet sitting services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.
Buckhead Pet Pals proudly serves Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Marietta, and Roswell. Learn more about our service area here. Happy Holidays!
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