Yes, it’s the Holidays, But Put Your Pets First!

Don’t Forget Your Loyal Companions

The holiday season is quickly approaching and there’s so much to do! Shopping, parties, and cooking, oh my! The holidays are a season of perfect gifts, wonderful memories and making time for family and friends.

But in all the hustle and bustle of the season, please don’t forget the pets who love you throughout the year. Even if you are staying home for the holidays, it’s still important to make sure your pets receive consistent attention, love, exercise and care no matter how busy you are. Just like you wouldn’t ignore your children during this time, keep in mind your pets rely upon you for their overall quality of life.

Holidays Can Mean Stress and Anxiety

If you’re feeling stressed during the holiday season, just imagine how your pet is feeling! Keeping your pet on their regular routine will help head-off anxious or even destructive behavior from a pet feeling neglected. But what can you do when your schedule becomes overwhelming and it starts taking a toll on your pet? Call your reliable pet sitter or dog walker to help give your pets some undivided attention and love. (Don’t have one? Reach out to us!)

3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy

1. Without a doubt, it can be challenging for pet parents to maintain a normal routine during the holidays. But it’s critical for keeping your pet happy and healthy. Continue to feed, exercise and give them attention like you would any other time. A professional dog walker or sitter can help you maintain their regular schedule.
2. Regardless of the season, dogs need their regular exercise. Especially during the winter seasons when cabin fever can set in and then “suddenly” exhibit in unwanted or even destructive behaviors. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!
3. Even with regular exercise, attention, and food, some pets can easily become overwhelmed with holiday activities. Create a “safe place” for them where they can feel comfortable and protected with all the unusual sounds, smells and people. A safe place can also keep them away from foods, drinks or trash that could hurt them.

Pets Are Creatures of Habit

Pets, especially dogs and cats, are creatures of habit. They do best when their regular routines and schedules stay consistent. When normal routines change, pets can become:

• Confused;
• Anxious; or
• Depressed.

Symptoms your pet may be feeling anxious or depressed include:

• Sleeping more often
• Lack of interest in normal behaviors like eating or playing
• Peeing or pooping in the house
• Indulging in over-grooming (especially by cats)

If your schedule is filling up with non-stop holiday commitments, take time now to look into options to keep your pet engaged and happy before issues happen. Help your pet enjoy the holidays by putting their needs ahead of your own.

Also, keep safety in mind over the holidays.

Holiday foods, alcoholic drinks, holiday plants, and even decorations can all pose a risk to unattended pets.

Not sure what to look out for? Ask Cosmic Home & Pet, your Seattle Pet Sitting expert.

Additional Reading

1. How to Tell if Your Dog Needs More of Your Attention

www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/1092421/is-my-dog-getting-enough-attention/

1. Do You Pay Enough Attention to Your Pets?

http://www.petassure.com/blog/do-you-pay-attention-pets/