Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

Christmas decorations are already starting to line the store shelves. Christmas and other holidays can be very stressful for humans. It is even more so for animals. There are more people around, different smells, and decorations. Many times the routines get upset and the owner may be very busy and not spend as much time with the animal. The animal may also have a sitter or be boarded if the owner leaves for the holiday.

It is very easy to become distracted during the holidays and neglect some basics. Routine maintenance like cage cleaning seems a little thing to put off when you have presents to wrap or trees to shop for. The time you normally spend with your animal might be usurped by a trip to the mall. Try to avoid making this type of compromise. Routines are important to animals and their sense of security. Sanitation is also important to their well-being! With all the changes going on around them it will make it much less stressful for them if you maintain as many routines as possible. Use maintenance time as your “breather” from holiday madness by doing something with or for your furry/feathered/scaled love.

Holiday guests can also be a huge issue for some pet owners. Many of the larger exotics frighten people unfamiliar with them and they are often allowed to roam freely indoors. Now is the time to establish a “time alone” routine. If your pet does not have its own room, bed, or cage you should set up a suitable space for them in a room that can be closed off. Toys, at a minimum, should also be provided. Place the animal in the room and then go about your routine for an hour. When you let the animal out give it effuse praise for being a good xxx. Do this daily and increase the time you leave the animal in there. This may be very stressful – especially for you at first – but eventually it should become less stressful for you both. You want to do this now rather than when the house is bustling and you are already stressed out hosting a party. While we adore our pets, many people (including people we love) do not. If you want to show off or share your pet wait until the hustle and bustle of the event have died down. There will be less tension for the animal to pick up on and if a guest really does not want to visit with it, the timing is good for an early exit without missing any festivities.

Many new dangers abound during the holidays. Christmas trees are irresistible so plan ahead. Use non-breakable ornaments, cover cords, avoid poisonous decorative sprays, and reduce access (if possible). Papers and string bits can also pose dangers to some pets. If your pets will be out and about and you have guests make a sign for the doors urging caution against escapes. And above all, if your pet does something like tear into all the wrapped presents under the tree a week early … do not be angry with the animal.

Plan ahead and establish new routines now. Have a safe, wonderful holiday with your exotic pet.