Pet-Etiquette For The Holidays

During the holidays, many pet owners have to decide on what to do with their pets. Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision so that your pet can have a happy, and safe, holiday.

*Leaving Your Pets At Home

Most pets do not like being taken away from their home and placed in a new surrounding with strange people and pets. Being around so many people can frighten them and your normally cute puppy can instantly turn into a snarling recluse.

Think first about whether your pet will actually be welcome at your host's house. A person who is usually unfazed by your dog may freak out if your dog has a nervous accident on their carpet. When confronted with the demands of holiday entertaining, some people become the polar opposites of their normal selves.

Some people are allergic to cats and dogs. Others, like small children, may be afraid of dogs.

You also do not know how your host hung up their decorations. If not done properly, your dog may chew threw the electrical wiring for the tree lights, or eat a decoration simply because it is within his reach. If your host does not have any pets of their own, they may even have festive plants like mistletoe and poinsettias, both of which are dangerous to cats and dogs.

*Getting Ready To Go

Before you leave for your host's home with your pet in tow, be polite and call ahead and ask your host if it is all right that you do bring your pet along.

If your host says its fine, then ask how the other members of the household feel about pets. Are they afraid of them? Are they allergic to pet dander? Do they like pets? Do they have their own pets? Does their pet get along with other people and pets?

Obviously your pet needs to be extremely well-trained in order to accompany you to your host's home. Rather leave your pet behind if he constantly begs for food or has accidents inside the house.

Ask your host to set aside a quiet place in the house where your pet can feel safe and be left alone. You cannot confine your pet to a crate that is placed inside a room that is bustling with people, children and other pets, if your pet becomes nervous or is taunted by other pets or children. If spending the night, ask that your pet be allowed to say in your room with you and place their crate there.

Remember to pack a doggy bag filled with your pet's favorite toys, blanket and food.

*Travelling With Your Pet

Before starting off on your trip, make sure that your pet has multiple forms of identification, such as an ID tag, micro chip or tattoo. Carry your pet's photo along with their vaccination records with you at all times.

If you are travelling by car, keep in mind that there are hundreds of other people traveling the same route as you; this will affect your drive time. Plan a route that allows you to stop regularly to let your dog out for a potty break and some exercise.

Always keep your pet properly restrained whilst inside the car. Cats and puppies should be in carriers, whilst older, bigger dogs can be buckled into special dog safety belts.

If you are flying to your destination with your pet, be sure that you have the right sized, airline-approved crate.

*Arriving At Your Destination

Always bring a gift for your host's pet, such as a new toy or a yummy treat.

Be careful to slowly introduce your pet to your host's pet, keeping your pet on a leash at all times, before allowing your dog and your host's dog to play together.

Never leave your pet unsupervised with your host's pet.

Photo Credit: aussiegal