If you're a pet parent, you know that holidays can be fun for humans but are not always the same for our pets. Our time to celebrate can also be a scary time for cats and dogs, which can make the holidays a challenge.

Between travel plans, holiday treats (or stolen feasts!), and New Year's fireworks, it can be an overwhelming time for pets. We've put together some great tips to help your furry friends get through the holidays as safely and as calmly as possible.

1. Keep them at home. When possible, keep your pets in their comfort zone. Make alternate arrangements for your pets if you plan to leave the house or go out of town. This may mean having a regular sitter or responsible family member stay with your pets while you are away. If you do plan to travel with your pet, make sure to prepare any medications, food, and other supplies in advance. It's also especially important that your pet have ID tags and an updated microchip for travel.
2. Create a safe spot inside your home for your pets. They may already have a favorite spot, such as a crate or closet. Make this space easily accessible to them, cover the crate with a blanket, and turn on the TV, music, or a white noise machine in the room to give them background noise. This is especially helpful during loud parties and scary fireworks. It's also important if your pet is traveling with you, providing them an escape route if they become overwhelmed by new surroundings.
3. Wear them out! Try your best to exercise your pet before any festivities. Typically, a tired pet is a calm pet. During the day, try playing with your pet's favorite toys or taking them for a long walk around the block.
4. Give your pets something to do during your celebrations - a Kong frozen with all-natural peanut butter is a great option for pups. Catnip or puzzle toys are good choices for cats. Give this to your pet just before the festivities start to allow them to be occupied and distracted. 
5. Keep the human treats on the table! It's tempting to let your pet enjoy your holiday meals with you, but sharing human food can cause upset tummies and even severe illness. Turkey bones, dairy, candy, and chocolate can be particularly dangerous. Always check with your veterinarian before feeding anything to your pet other than their regular diet. Make sure to keep any leftovers and stocking goodies out of reach too!
6. Microchip your pet. In the event that your pet panics and somehow escapes your grasp or your home, the likeliness of being reunited with them is much higher if they are microchipped and registered. This is especially important if your pet is traveling with you. Make sure your microchip information is updated as well. You can do this with multiple website, such as 24PetWatch or Home Again.
7. Try medications or supplements, as approved by your vet. If your pet is overly anxious and other methods do not work for them, we recommend visiting your veterinarian to discuss other options for controlling anxiety, such as vet-prescribed medications.

PAWS Atlanta wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!