It’s the holiday season and most of us are entertaining or
are being entertained. It’s exciting and
fun times as we make the rounds from home to home, enjoying good food, drinks
and conversation.
At any one of your destinations, the co-host may be four legged and
furry. Co-host? Yes! We love our cats and dogs like family members, however
when it comes to pet manners and pet love, everyone differs. So here’s a little
petiquette for those visiting a home with pets or those co-hosting their soiree
with their furry loved ones.
Invitations
Let guests know that you have pets so that they can prepare
themselves if they have allergies or phobias.
Greetings &
Holiday Cheer
Pets get excited, and jump up to greet visitors when they
come to the door - that feeling of adoration is what makes your day. Who can resist Bruno’s hugs and
sloppy kisses? Obviously non-pet lovers but don’t be surprised that other pet
owners also don’t like it, because they have a different standard of what’s
acceptable – not everyone is alright with licks and kisses on their face. And really, when all dressed up, folks become more concerned about paw prints, and slobber on their fancy holiday duds.
As well, visitors may be down right scared, especially
pint-sized kids who aren’t accustomed to pets. If kids are clinging to parents
for dear life and screaming when your little morkie approaches – they are
scared. Kids or parents are not going to enjoy themselves. It might be time for
you to separate them from the crowd.
Begging for Food
No one really wants to see the begging eyes or smell the breath
of your pooch while eating.
If your pet is trained, then you have nothing to worry
about, but sometimes they can get excited with all the strangers and the music
and increased noise level.
Cats normally stay far from the fray and people, but there
are many cats that are as friendly as dogs.
In the end, it might be best to separate your pooch or
feline from the crowd, for both your pet and visitors sake, either in an area far from all the activity or a pet pen.
Hosts - kissing, playing,
petting, touching your pets while preparing food for your guests is a no-no.
You may not think about it because your pet is your family, but to your guests…well,
they notice, and they won’t eat your artichoke dip you worked tirelessly to prepare. Everyone has different standards, but to
keep it neutral, think of what would be required in a public restaurant’s
kitchen. That’s right - no pets.
Guests
Do not bring your pet to the soiree without first asking if
your pooch is invited, even if your host has pets.
It never fails - the pet will show the most attention to one
who doesn’t like them or are afraid of them. Do not take it upon yourself to
lock them in a room! Speak to your host. It is the pet’s home; you are a
visitor in their home. However the
host should already have noticed and taken care of this situation.
Do not feed the pet unless your host says its OK. Regular
human food can be fatal to a cat or dog. You are not being nice by sharing the
rich delicious chocolate cake - you may in fact fatally harm the pet.
Pet parents, you know your pets and how well they behave, their triggers and reactions so the call is yours, but do not feel bad if you have to separate your baby from the crowd. Create a calm comfortable space, with his/her favorite toys, foods, beds or pens and everyone will be sure to enjoy the the evenings festivities.
