12 Steps to Ensure Your Furbabies Are Comfortable Around Holiday Guests

At Axel Roze Pets we know a thing or two about the holidays and having guess over. By taking these steps, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your furbabies while still enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.

1. Create a Safe Space
   Set up a quiet, cozy area where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Stock it with their bed, toys, and water to make it a haven away from the noise.
2. Introduce New Faces Gradually
   If possible, let your pet meet guests one at a time in a calm environment. Avoid forcing interactions, and allow your furbaby to approach at their own pace.
3. Stick to Their Routine
   Maintain regular feeding, walking, and play schedules. Consistency helps reduce stress, even when the house is busier than usual.
4. Provide Plenty of Exercise
   Give your pet extra playtime or a long walk before guests arrive. A tired pet is often more relaxed and less likely to feel anxious.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement
   Reward calm and friendly behavior with treats, praise, or a favorite toy. This helps reinforce good manners around visitors.
6. Supervise Interactions
   Keep an eye on how your pet is behaving around guests. Watch for signs of stress, like pacing, panting, or excessive barking, and step in to help if needed.
7. Set Boundaries for Guests
   Inform visitors of your pet's boundaries, such as avoiding sudden movements, respecting their safe space, or not offering certain foods.
8. Avoid Human Food Sharing
   Many holiday foods can be harmful to pets. Make sure guests know not to feed your furbaby and keep tempting dishes out of reach.
9. Introduce Calming Aids
   If your pet is prone to anxiety, consider using calming sprays, diffusers, or natural supplements to help them feel at ease.
10. Watch the Exits
    With guests coming and going, doors may be left open. Ensure your pet’s collar and ID tags are secure in case of accidental escapes. Consider gating off certain areas for added security.
11. Use Background Noise
    Play calming music or white noise in your pet’s safe space to help drown out unfamiliar sounds and voices.
12. Prepare for Kids
    If children are visiting, ensure they know how to interact with your pet gently and safely. Supervise all interactions to prevent unintentional stress or harm.

By taking these steps, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your furbabies while still enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.