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How to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday Party
When you’re fêting with your friends over the coming weeks, it’s important to think of the furry few in your life, too. Animals require a little bit of extra love at this time of year, whether they’re an independent cat or a cuddly dog. How can you keep them happy in the midst of 2014’s holiday hustle and bustle? We have a few tips. By Sarah Kelsey
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Keep Them Calm
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1/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
<p>Just like kids, dogs and cats can get worked up when their space is full of extra people, so try to keep them calm before and after meet-ups.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyKeep Them Calm
PHOTO 1 of 10READ LESS -<p>Just like kids, dogs and cats can get worked up when their space is full of extra people, so try to keep them calm before and after meet-ups.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get Exercising
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<p>If you’re worried about your dog or cat getting worked up when guests arrive (or if you hop out to attend a party), consider taking them on a long walk before your event so they can burn off the extra energy they have.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyGet Exercising
PHOTO 2 of 10READ LESS -<p>If you’re worried about your dog or cat getting worked up when guests arrive (or if you hop out to attend a party), consider taking them on a long walk before your event so they can burn off the extra energy they have.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Treat Time
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<p>While you may think it’s a good idea to treat your pet to some extra table scraps to compensate for your absence or party antics, you might want to consider what all of that “human” food could do to their bellies. A small amount of turkey might not be so bad, but do it daily and your pal could be in for some digestive trouble.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyTreat Time
PHOTO 3 of 10READ LESS -<p>While you may think it’s a good idea to treat your pet to some extra table scraps to compensate for your absence or party antics, you might want to consider what all of that “human” food could do to their bellies. A small amount of turkey might not be so bad, but do it daily and your pal could be in for some digestive trouble.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Out of Reach
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<p>Speaking of treats, there are some items you should keep out of your pet’s paws – that includes chocolate, bread, grapes and onions.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyOut of Reach
PHOTO 4 of 10READ LESS -<p>Speaking of treats, there are some items you should keep out of your pet’s paws – that includes chocolate, bread, grapes and onions.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Give a Heads Up
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<p>If your furry friend is a bit skiddish around people, give your pals a heads up and let them know to approach your dog or cat slowly and with caution. You don’t want to stress your pet out needlessly!</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyGive a Heads Up
PHOTO 5 of 10READ LESS -<p>If your furry friend is a bit skiddish around people, give your pals a heads up and let them know to approach your dog or cat slowly and with caution. You don’t want to stress your pet out needlessly!</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Keep Them Safe
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6/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
<p>Is your pet the kind of animal that will bolt for the front door at the first opportunity available? If so, ensure their tags are up-to-date and that open windows and doors are kept closed.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyKeep Them Safe
PHOTO 6 of 10READ LESS -<p>Is your pet the kind of animal that will bolt for the front door at the first opportunity available? If so, ensure their tags are up-to-date and that open windows and doors are kept closed.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Quiet Time
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<p>When the holiday party is at your home, consider creating a quiet space for your pet where they can hangout and relax. Add fluffy pillows and blankets to the area and ensure they have enough water or food in their dishes.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyQuiet Time
PHOTO 7 of 10READ LESS -<p>When the holiday party is at your home, consider creating a quiet space for your pet where they can hangout and relax. Add fluffy pillows and blankets to the area and ensure they have enough water or food in their dishes.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Check in on Them
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8/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
<p>The worst thing you can do for your furry friend while partying is to forget about them completely. Be sure to check in on him/her occasionally throughout the eve and give them a little love. This will ensure they feel secure and not abandoned.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyCheck in on Them
PHOTO 8 of 10READ LESS -<p>The worst thing you can do for your furry friend while partying is to forget about them completely. Be sure to check in on him/her occasionally throughout the eve and give them a little love. This will ensure they feel secure and not abandoned.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Info on Hand
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<p>Just as you would with children, have key info about your pet displayed on your fridge: your vet’s info, any allergies they have, etc. This will ensure if something happens out of your sight, your furry friend is tended to immediately.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyInfo on Hand
PHOTO 9 of 10READ LESS -<p>Just as you would with children, have key info about your pet displayed on your fridge: your vet’s info, any allergies they have, etc. This will ensure if something happens out of your sight, your furry friend is tended to immediately.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Room and Board
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<p>If you’re really worried about your pet’s well-being at a party, consider boarding them for a night or having someone who can’t attend your bash watch them.</p>HolidaysHow to Keep Your Pets Happy at Your Holiday PartyRoom and Board
PHOTO 10 of 10READ LESS -<p>If you’re really worried about your pet’s well-being at a party, consider boarding them for a night or having someone who can’t attend your bash watch them.</p>Photo Credit: Getty Images
