With the holiday season fast approaching, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos.
If you're worried about how you and your pet can enjoy the festivities safely, you're not alone. A recent Rover survey of U.S. pet parents found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of pet parents wish they knew more about how to keep their pets out of trouble this holiday season.
Maybe you're wondering if your furry friend can lick your plate after a holiday meal or how to host a party without Harry Houdini escaping as guests arrive. Keeping your pets safe and entertained during the holidays can be stressful, but there are several steps you can take to keep you and your pet at ease amid the holiday madness. Read on for five simple tips that can go a long way toward ensuring this holiday season is merry for pets and their people.
Serve pet-friendly holiday food favorites
Everyone looks forward to holiday feasts, including your pets, but it's important to know what scraps they can and can't eat. Holiday favorites like pumpkin, potatoes, green beans, boneless and skinless turkey breasts, plain sweet potatoes and apples are all pet safe. Meanwhile, keep bones, gravy, mac and cheese, stuffing and fried foods away from begging pets, no matter how convincing their puppy dog eyes are.
Deck the halls with your pets in mind
Make the holidays jolly and bright with pet-approved decorations. To create a magical environment in your home that's safe for your four-legged friends, avoid decorating with traditional holiday plants like poinsettias, lilies, mistletoe and holly — which are poisonous to pets.
Other popular decorations like tinsel, ribbon, string lights, glass ornaments and candles can also be dangerous to pets. But don't worry, you don't have to get rid of this décor altogether. Place these decorations out of your pets' reach on mantels and shelves and make sure fragile ornaments are high up on the tree.
Get your pets party ready
More than half (53%) of pet parents said their dog or cat will attend holiday gatherings with them this year, according to the Rover survey. If your furry friend is helping you host a holiday celebration, get them ready with a few simple precautions:
- Contain your pet with a baby gate so they don't escape or rush guests.
- Hang a door sign so visitors know to ring the doorbell and wait to be let in.
- Offer your pet toys and treats to help them relax and keep them busy.
- Designate a cozy room or crate so your pet can take a break.
Pro tip: For particularly anxious pets, consider booking a pet sitter or overnight boarding service through Rover.
Keep your pet's routine while you celebrate the season
Pets thrive on routine, providing a sense of security and stability crucial for easing anxiety. Your everyday routine is likely to shift during the holiday season amid gift shopping, party prep, holiday parties or travel. Prevent stress by maintaining your pets' schedule with the help of pet providers who prioritize safety and comfort.
If you're gone for a full day of holiday shopping, hire a dog walker to take your puppy on their regular afternoon walk around the block. For evening celebrations at a friend or family member's home, consider scheduling a drop-in visit so your pet can have playtime without disturbing yours. Headed out of town? Travel with peace of mind by using a reputable booking platform like Rover, which offers pet parents access to a trusted network of sitters and walkers with verified reviews and background checks.
Help them ring in the season with their own gifts
Don't forget to put a gift in your pet's stocking! Pick up some purr-fectly festive toys like holiday-themed catnip kickers, wands and scratch pads. For your canine companion, look for Yule log chew toys, winter-themed treat puzzles or a treat advent calendar to help them celebrate the season. For the ultimate gift, give them extra playtime and attention with a dedicated sitter booked through Rover.
This holiday season, make it a paw-some time for everyone! For more tips on how to celebrate the holidays with your pets in mind, visit Rover.com.
