If you plan to host holiday gatherings at your home and you have pets such as dogs or cats, it's important to remember that the increased activity and presence of guests can be overwhelming and bewildering for your furry friends. Including my pets in all festive gatherings at my home brings me immense joy. Sharing this time means that I am accompanied by 5 dogs. I take care to keep my guests who do not like dogs separate from my furry companions. (Which can be challenging at times!) My dogs are intuitive when it comes to detecting disliking individuals; they tend to disregard their presence entirely.

It's a well-known fact that dogs have a tendency to bark at unfamiliar people, which is often seen as a positive trait as it provides a sense of security for many of us. We should avoid discouraging the protective nature of most dogs towards their surroundings. Prior to allowing guests to enter your home, it is necessary to take control of your dog by potentially attaching a leash and showing him that you accept the arrival of unfamiliar individuals on his territory. It is expected that once your dog perceives that there is no danger or threat, he will cease his barking or growling towards your visitors.

Until you are comfortable with his behavior, it is advisable to have him wander around with his leash on. It's essential that your visitors take precautions while moving around to avoid tripping over his leash.

Guests who have dogs in their family are likely familiar with the concept of "sniffing".

Dogs often sniff shoes or handbags in order to detect a familiar scent. Your guests' family pets' scents could also be detected by them. However, if you have visitors that may find this conduct uneasy, it is essential to make an effort to ensure they don't come into contact.

If you have hosted big events at your home previously, you probably have some knowledge of how your dog will respond.

Your frequent visitors, such as family and friends, are likely aware of the house rules regarding feeding your dog under the table. Your dog's digestive system may become upset if they consume a menu containing excessively rich or sweet foods. Feeding your dog food that its body cannot digest can result in it regurgitating on your carpets. It is even more worrisome that certain foods can be toxic to pets such as chocolate, raisins, and onions. Additionally, poultry bones have the potential to break into small pieces and pose a risk of choking. To make matters even more serious, some of these may even lead to death.

The disruption of their daily routines can make dogs and cats uncomfortable, and during the holidays, when large gatherings of guests are in your home, their nap and meal times may be affected, which they don't appreciate. Rearranging furniture can alter their designated area. To assist your pets, aim to establish a regular routine and adhere to it as much as possible while scheduling your daily activities. Maintaining their regular meal schedule can be highly beneficial as their body's natural rhythms are accustomed to eating at the same time daily.