First truly consider the age, health and temperament of your pet when guests are expected. If your pet is older, has arthritis, is blind or hard of hearing it is difficult for your pet to move around and get out of the way of people walking around the house for a party. They may be laying comfortably in their own bed, but they are usually on the lookout for what is going to happen next. This may have them a little tense and apprehensive about the whole gathering, which may result in more pain the next day from just holding their body tense, or having to move around more with more people present. Young pets may be very excited and jump, bark, meow excessively or knock little ones down.

Toddlers are especially at risk of possibly being bitten by even the most friendly dog when you think of how children are constantly on the go with an animal that is already a bit anxious. Toddlers are right up in the face of a dog, they do not follow verbal instructions from adults very well, and it seems the more adults there are fewer eyes are on the children (which adult is responsible for watching the kids?). If the owners have not made a quiet place for the dog or cat to go , there is a big risk of a bite.

So, to keep your pet and everyone happy plan ahead. Dogs and cats do not have to know everyone. If your relatives just come over once a year, then make a comfy place for your dog or cat to spend the day. If someone wants to visit your pet, you decide if it is ok. Younger well socialized pets may do fine with many people over but after a few hours they have usually had enough and are seeking a quiet area. Make that area away from the party scene and go ahead and put your pet there if you notice your pet avoiding people (avoidance is a subtle sign of anxiety). If the humans won’t listen to you, perhaps board your pet for the day or make that comfy place in another room well away from others, and make it really hard for guests to “let the pet out”. Most of the pet problems at parties are really humans not listening to each other or the animal.

If your pet is stressed out by visitors, we can help. Give us a call to set up an appointment for a behavior consult. You can also take a look at the behavioral services we offer.