Pets and Guests
The holiday season is officially upon us. Are you planning to have guests over this year? If so, keep your furry buddy in mind as you get ready for your visitors. Read on as a Lakeville, MN vet offers some tips on helping things go smoothly between pets and guests.
Preparation
Before your guests arrive, do some fur busting. Vacuuming and dusting will remove dead fur and dander from your carpet and furniture. Use a squeegee, rubber dish gloves, or damp sponge to remove fur from your furniture. It’s also a good idea to give your pet a good brushing. If you have a dog, give Fido a bath, so he’ll be soft and clean. We recommend changing your air filters as well.
Guest Rooms
Opt for hypoallergenic drapes and bedding in your guest room. If possible, put flooring in that room, instead of carpet. You may want to set out some tissues and stock up on OTC meds. It’s not a bad idea to advise your visitors to keep their door shut. This will also help keep Fluffy from napping on their suitcases!
Hazards
Keep in mind that some guests—especially those without furry friends of their own—may not know what is and isn’t safe for pets. Set some simple ground rules. For instance, you may need to make it clear that Fido shouldn’t have table scraps, or that Fluffy is an indoor cat. We recommend asking guests not to feed or reprimand pets without permission. Many popular foods are toxic to our four-legged friends! Also, ask them not to leave things like medications or jewelry in spots where your pet may be able to reach them. As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Tips For Dog Owners
If you have a dog, tire Fido out by taking him for a long walk and indulging him in a fun play session. Your pup will be much calmer—and better behaved—if he’s a bit worn out. If your canine buddy has a habit of chewing on things, have your guests keep their shoes, purses, and personal items in their room. Offer them a spot your pet can’t reach, like a closet or drawer.
Please reach out to us, your local Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are always here to help!
