Guests And Pets

The holidays are just around the corner now. It’s always nice to enjoy some much-needed quality time with our loved ones. Pets are definitely part of the family, and they add that perfect final touch of love and comfort to holiday gatherings. Of course, not everyone is as enamored with our furry friends as we are. In fact, many people have never had pets of their own. If you’re having company, you may want to take a few steps to ensure that things go smoothly. A local Roswell, NM vet offers some advice on that below.

Best Paw Forward

Before your company arrives, make time for a good deep cleaning. Vacuum and dust thoroughly. Include those high, dusty spots, such as ceiling fans and drape rods. You’ll also want to change your air filter. You can use rubber dish gloves, a squeegee, or a damp sponge to get fur off your upholstered furniture. Wash both the guest room bedding and your pet’s bedding. Don’t forget about Fido and Fluffy! Give your furry pal a good brushing. Dogs may also need a bath. 

Guest Room

Allergies can make living with pets a pretty miserable experience for some folks. If you know or suspect that your guests have allergies, take a bit of extra time with the guest room preparations. Wash all bedding, using hot water and unscented detergent. You may also want to get an air filter for the room. As a thoughtful touch, set out tissues and OTC allergy meds.

House Rules

It’s both safer and easier to lay down some guidelines in advance than it is to deal with an unpleasant—or even dangerous—incident. Ask your guests not to feed or discipline your furry friend without checking with you first. We’d also advise requesting that they keep their room door closed and their belongings out of paws’ reach. You don’t want Fido chewing your brother’s shoes or Fluffy leaving a hairball on your aunt’s designer purse!

Monitoring

Last but not least, just keep a close eye on things. Be extra vigilant if some of your guests are children. Young kids may not understand that many of our things aren’t safe for Fluffy and Fido, or that they definitely do not like having their tails pulled. You can also offer your pet a safe place to retreat to, and perhaps a new toy.

Please reach out with questions or concerns about your furry friend’s health or care. As your Roswell, NM pet hospital, we’re always here to help!