If you’re bringing a new pet home for the holidays, you want a memorable, festive experience that is happy and healthy for everyone. But it’s normal to experience some challenges while figuring out a smooth process. Position the transition for a stress-free experience by ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your new pet. The team at Companion Animal Rehab Athletics (CARA) is always here for your pet’s health and well-being. We also put together our pro tips to help you welcome your new pet to your family.
Step 1: Prepare a Cozy, Designated Space
Whether you’re adopting a puppy, kitten, bunny, or older animal, they need the same thing: a calm, secure area to call their own. The holidays are an exciting time to welcome home a new pet, but it also means an influx of visitors, holiday decorations, and noise. Take the time to set up a cozy, designated space for your new pets in a quieter area of your home. Invest in a comfortable bed with food, water, toys, and any other essentials like a litter box or puppy pads. Smaller pets also benefit from a safe, enclosed space where they feel secure and have a retreat from the overwhelm of the holidays.
Step 2: Pet-Proof Your Home
Holiday decorations are festive but can be hazardous to pets. Take the time to pet-proof your home, including securing your Christmas tree so it doesn’t topple over onto curious pets. You should also avoid ornaments near the base of the tree, especially if they’re delicate or easy to nibble. If you celebrate Hanukkah, make sure your menorah is in an area your pet can’t access. Here are some other hazards to consider:
- Holiday Plants: Popular holiday plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, could be toxic to pets who nibble on them. Instead, choose pet-safe holiday decor or put your plants somewhere out of reach.
- Cords and Lights: Electric cords and string lights pose a hazard if pets chew on them. Invest in cord protectors and tuck away the cords to keep them out of your pet’s reach.
- Candles and Open Flames: Lit candles quickly pose a danger if they’re knocked over, especially during holiday gatherings. Try battery-operated candles, or place your real candles out of reach to keep your new pet safe.
Step 3: Stock Up on Pet Essentials
Before you welcome home your new furry friend, check that you have all of the essentials to make them feel comfortable and secure:
- Food and Treats: Find out what type of food your pet enjoys the most.
- Toys and Enrichment Items: Toys are essential to keep your new pet healthy and give them an outlet for their curiosity. The right toys provide the mental stimulation they need while helping to reduce the holiday stress.
- Pet Care Supplies: Depending on the type of pet you’re adopting, you need the right grooming tools, collars, leashes, ID tags, and other items. Your cat will also need scratching posts or pads, and your dogs need interactive toys during downtime. Don’t forget rabbits, who also need stimulation with sticks and mats to chew on.
Step 4: Establish Routines and Boundaries Early
It’s easy for holiday seasons to disrupt regular routines for everyone in the family. Do your best to maintain consistency for your new pet with scheduled feeding, walking, and playtime routines. Establishing boundaries, including off-limit areas and other barriers, is equally important. Your pets will thrive on the structure and create more predictable patterns that will help them feel more secure and prevent behavioral issues.
Step 5: Manage Interactions with Holiday Guests
Not all holiday guests are welcoming to pets or nurturing. As pets react differently to unfamiliar people, they may get overexcited, aggressive, or scared.
- Introduce Your Pets Slowly: Introduce your pets to new guests gradually and remain calm. Keep the introductions quiet and allow your pet to approach guests on their own terms.
- Give Your Pet Space: Pets that are anxious or tired need space to retreat without interruption. Make sure their safe space stays secure and consistent with their routine.
Visiting children needs instructions on how to handle your pets as gently as possible. The goal is about allowing your pets to maintain their own healthy boundaries to create a positive environment for everyone.
Step 6: Watch Out for Food Hazards
The holiday season brings out the rich and delicious foods that may pose serious dangers to your pets. Make sure your guests know which foods are off-limits to your pets, including:
- Chocolate and Sweets: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is toxic to your pets. Artificial sweeteners found in candies and baked goods, like xylitol, can also be dangerous.
- Cooked Bones: It may be tempting to give your dog a treat from the dinner table, but bones can splinter and cause digestive dangers. Only offer pet-safe treats and avoid feeding table scraps that may be fatty, greasy, or unhealthy for your pets.
- Alcohol and Rich Foods: Alcohol, fatty foods, and some seasonings are harmful to pets. Keep any dangerous foods out of reach and discourage guests from sharing their scraps with your pet.
Step 7: Schedule Time for Bonding
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but your new pet needs bonding time. Set aside consistent time to play, train, cuddle, and sit with them to establish a bond for a long-lasting, healthy relationship.
It’s also a good idea to incorporate more training activities into your bonding time with your pet. Your pet will learn to trust you and give them a better understanding of what to expect from their new environment.
Step 8: Plan for Pet Care During Holiday Events
Make pet care a part of your holiday planning. Loud parties and unfamiliar guests are a major stressor for your pets, especially if they’re adjusting to a new home. If you plan to be away during the holidays for an extended period, ask a trusted friend or qualified pet sitter to look after them. Pets also need small, safe areas during parties where they can retreat with a toy or take a break. A few proactive steps help reduce the stress for both you and your pet during holiday gatherings.
Enhance Your Pet’s Life with Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics
Are you looking for an innovative approach to caring for your new pet? Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics (CARA) is dedicated to providing integrative medicine, sports medicine, and rehabilitation therapy for your beloved pets. We provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for both pets and their owners, with the highest quality care and customized treatment. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to take the next step in your pet’s health and wellness journey for a longer-lasting life.
