Holiday Hideouts For Happy And Calm Pets

Your dogs and cats are part of the family and naturally you want to include them in the holiday merriment, but all the bustle, comings-and-goings and guests might stress some pets out. Your pets may benefit from a nice, cozy place to retreat to if the holidays become too much to handle.

The area for your pet’s safe space can range from a relatively small space, like a crate, if your dog is used to and comfortable with it, to a larger area of the house such as a room that visitors do not have access to. If your cat goes to hide under your bed every time you have guests over, your bedroom might make a good holiday hideout. Whatever space you choose, make sure the area is dog- or cat-proofed so that they can’t ingest anything toxic or hurt themselves. Also make sure there are comforting items for your pet to snuggle or play with, like their favorite blanket or stuffed toy. If your cat is going to hang out in the hideout for extended periods, consider bringing in their litter box, and make sure all pets have access to water.

The website Vetstreet has an excellent article on creating a holiday hideout for pets, and brings up the point that it’s best to get your dog or cat acclimated to this space beforehand, or their safe-zone may be more stressful than comforting!

Of course, you’ll want to check in on your pup or kitty periodically to make sure they’re doing ok—you can also take this time for some interaction like playtime or a quick walk. Exercise and interaction with their favorite human will also lessen any stress your pet is feeling (plus they miss you)!

The holidays can be exciting, but they can also be a bit stressful—taking the time to make sure your pets are comfortable during the holiday celebrations will give you one less thing to worry about.