Deck the Halls and Protect the Paws: A Pet-Inclusive Guide to Holiday Decorating & Organizing

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The holidays are upon us! It’s a time for twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and… potential pet pandemonium? Let’s be honest, as much as we love our furry family members, their excitement (and sometimes, anxieties) can add an extra layer of complexity to our holiday preparations.

But don’t worry, fellow pet parents! With a little planning and organization, we can ensure our fur babies stay safe, happy, and included in the festivities. Here’s your guide to a pet-inclusive holiday season:

Prepping Your Holiday Home for Four-Legged Friends

Before you deck the halls, take a moment to see your home through your pet’s eyes. Curious noses, wagging tails, and playful paws can turn innocent decorations into hazards.

Festive Foliage: While beautiful, many holiday plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives like these lovely silk versions.
Twinkling Lights: Those twinkling lights can be a tempting chew toy for curious critters. Secure cords and wires so they’re not a tripping hazard or an electrical danger.
Cozy Candles: While candles create a lovely ambiance, open flames and curious noses don’t mix. Opt for flameless candles or ensure lit candles are placed in sturdy holders, well out of reach.

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Your … Hazards?

Let’s face it, Christmas trees are basically a giant cat toy (and a tempting one for dogs too!). Those sparkling ornaments, dangling lights, and the enticing scent of pine can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful. Here’s how to pet-proof your Christmas tree:

Anchors Away: Secure your tree to a wall or ceiling using fishing line or hooks to prevent it from toppling over if your cat decides to climb it or your dog gets a little too enthusiastic with their tail wags.
Ornament Placement: Place fragile or potentially dangerous ornaments higher up on the tree, out of reach of curious paws and mouths. Consider using shatterproof ornaments on lower branches.
Light It Up Safely: Securely tape down or cover any exposed wires or cords to prevent chewing and electrical hazards. Opt for LED lights, which are cooler and less likely to cause burns.
Water Works: Tree water can be harmful if ingested by pets. Cover the tree stand with a skirt or decorative wrap to prevent access.
Tempting Tinsel: Avoid using tinsel where your pets can reach it, as it can be a choking hazard if swallowed and an easy way to topple the tree for pups who love a game of tug of war!
The Great Outdoors: If you have a real tree, dispose of the needles promptly, as they can be sharp and cause irritation if ingested.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Holiday Haven

With a few simple adjustments, you can create a festive yet safe environment where your pets can relax and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Safe Zones: Designate a cozy, quiet space where your pet can retreat when the holiday hustle and bustle gets overwhelming. This could be their bed, crate, or a separate room.
Vertical Space: Cats love to climb! Provide them with vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves to satisfy their curiosity and keep them out of trouble. You could even opt for a ‘cat’ Christmas tree like one of these
Guest Introductions: If you’re hosting guests, manage introductions carefully. Give your pet time to adjust to new smells and faces, and supervise interactions to prevent over-excitement or stress.
Routine Maintenance: Try to maintain your pet’s regular routine as much as possible. Stick to their usual feeding and walking schedules to provide a sense of normalcy.

Taming the Toy Box Bonanza

The holidays often mean new toys for our furry friends. But an overflowing toy box can quickly turn into a chaotic mess.

Pre-Holiday Purge: Before the influx of new toys, declutter your pet’s toy collection. Donate gently used toys to shelters and discard any that are damaged or pose a choking hazard.
Organized Storage: Use bins, baskets, or drawers to keep toys organized and prevent them from taking over your living space.
Toy Rotation: Keep your pet engaged by rotating their toys regularly. This prevents boredom and keeps those toys feeling fresh and exciting.

Food, Treats, and Festive Feasts

Holiday meals are a highlight of the season, but those tempting treats and rich foods can be harmful to our pets.

Safe Snacks: Keep people food out of reach, especially chocolate, cooked bones, and anything containing grapes, raisins, or onions.
Pet-Friendly Treats: Stock up on pet-safe treats and chews to keep your furry friend happy and occupied.
Food Routine: Stick to your pet’s regular feeding schedule as much as possible to avoid digestive upset.
Secure Trash: Securely store trash and leftovers to prevent those curious noses from getting into trouble.

Gifting with Your Pet in Mind

Looking for the perfect gift for your furry friend? Think beyond the squeaky toys and consider these thoughtful ideas because like the humans in your life, sometimes the best gift, as far as your furkid is concerned, is more time with you:

Experiences: Gift an experience like a trip to a new dog park, a hike in the woods, or a professional grooming session.
Practical Presents: Consider practical gifts like a new bed, a food puzzle toy, or a cozy blanket.
Homemade Goodies: Get creative and make your pet a homemade gift, like a new toy or a batch of healthy treats. They will love joining you in the kitchen!

Post-Holiday Reset and Relaxation

Once the festivities wind down, it’s time to help your pet (and yourself!) transition back to normalcy.

Declutter and Organize: Pack away decorations, organize new toys, and restore your home to its usual calm.
Routine Reboot: Re-establish your pet’s regular routine to provide a sense of stability and security.
Extra TLC: Give your furry friend some extra love and attention to help them de-stress after the holiday excitement.

Remember, the holidays can be overwhelming for pets. By creating a safe, organized, and loving environment, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys the season just as much as you do.

Need some extra help with your holiday decorating this year? Our Houston holiday decorating service is just the thing. We’ll come in and help you create a wonderful winter wonderland – a kid and pet safe one if needed – so you can focus on the most important things; family, friends and fun. Contact us today for a free 15-minute phone consultation, or, as we have just a few slots left, book right away here.

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Taya Wright, Owner and Principal at Just Organized by Taya

Just Organized by Taya, led by Professional Organizer Taya Wright, offers home organization, office organization and life organization services, in addition to interior styling services to residents across the Greater Houston area.

Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608

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