Pet care at Christmas Part 3: Final top tips

Not all pets like having visitors to their home and not all your visitors will welcome the attention of your pets either! Here are a few golden rules to keep everyone happy over the festive season:

Make sure pets have somewhere safe to retreat away from noise and people so they can choose to separate themselves if they want to. Cats like high secluded places, so a comfy cushion on a high cupboard is a good place. Dogs like their favourite bed in a quiet area, with their special toys and something like a Kong filled with their favourite treats to keep them busy.

Older animals can be upset by a change of routine. If this is the case, they may be happier in a quiet room, on their own and away from noise and strangers. Make them a cosy retreat where they can choose to go if they feel unsettled. Ensure visitors do not disturb them so the animal can relax in peace. Sometimes a radio on quietly can soothe your pet, especially if there are fireworks outside.

If you have children visiting and your pet is not used to them do not leave them together unattended and ensure children know how to behave appropriately and considerately around animals.

Sometimes younger animals can get over excited at Christmas (as pictured above!) - all the new sounds and smells, together with your enthusiasm can sometimes be very exciting to even the most placid dog! Make sure they have somewhere tranquil to go to calm down. Give them a few nice treats and kindly and quietly pop them in a separate area where they can settle before joining in the festivities again. This is not a punishment, simply a ‘time out’ to allow everyone to relax!

Above all, have a wonderful, safe festive season and even though Grove Lodge is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, in the nicest possible way we hope we don’t see you!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!