5 Ways To Prep Your House For The Holidays When You Have Pets

October gets everyone excited. The start of super cozy evenings and the changing color of leaves make people happy. But October also means Halloween. That marks the start of the holiday season.

Now, the holiday season means hosting family gatherings and indulging in all the joy that comes with the season.

But before you host Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, ask yourself if your home is festive-ready. No? Then, now is the time to prep it for the holiday season.

Getting your space holiday-ready is no big task. But it certainly is for a pet parent. Between the decor, holiday foods, and the hustle and bustle of visitors, things can quickly become chaotic—and sometimes dangerous—for your furry family members. You certainly wouldn’t want that.

There’s no need to stress, though. A bit of planning can make your home holiday-ready while keeping it safe and comfortable for your four-legged friend. Here are some tips to get you started.

#1 Deep Clean Your Space

Pets shed hair and dander, and they bring in dirt from outside. Those can accumulate quickly and lead to odors and allergens. That is why give your home a thorough clean ahead of the holiday season.

Vacuum and dust every nook and cranny of your home. Pet hair can settle in hard-to-reach places, like underneath furniture.

Use an automatic vacuum, suggests Modern Dog . They can tackle pet hair and dirt with ease.

Don’t forget to wash pet blankets, bedding, and toys. They can carry odors that visitors might notice more than you do. Also, clean those spots your furry friend frequents, like their favorite corners or window sills they perch on.

#2 Get Rid of Pet Waste

You want your home to be sparkling clean for your guests, but you also want to avoid any subtle pet smells that can linger.

Make sure you get rid of pet waste from your home. This is especially important if you have a yard where your fur baby poops.

Your pet’s waste is not just an unsightly mess, but it’s also a breeding ground for dangerous microorganisms that pose a serious threat to your well-being, says Scoop Soldiers.

Cleaning up pet waste regularly is essential. But it can be a difficult and time-consuming chore, especially during the busy holiday season. This is where hiring professionals who offer pet waste and sanitization services can make a huge difference.

Professional cleaners have the right tools, cleaning solutions, and expertise to sanitize and deodorize areas affected by pet waste thoroughly. They can tackle deep-seated stains and eliminate odors at their source. Thus, your home will be clean as well as free from any lingering pet-related smells.

Hiring a pro will save you time and ensure your home is guest-ready without worries about hidden messes or odors.

#3 Opt for Pet-Friendly Decorations

Pets, especially cats, love to investigate new things. Shiny ornaments, twinkling lights, and dangling ribbons can quickly become irresistible toys—or hazards.

For your furry friend’s safety, opt for pet-friendly decorations. Instead of fragile glass ornaments that could break, opt for shatterproof decorations. If your furry friend tends to chew, avoid decorating items with small parts, like bells or beads. Or it might swallow them.

For the Christmas tree, skip tinsel and ribbons. They can cause serious digestive issues in your four-legged friend if ingested. Try safer alternatives, like garlands made of felt or wood. And don’t forget to anchor the tree securely. Or, it might fall onto your four-legged friend and injure it, warns ABC27 .

If you use electrical cords for lights, make sure to tuck them away safely. Pets, particularly teething pups, may chew on cords, which can cause significant injury.

#4 Keep Holiday Plants Out of Reach

Holiday plants add a festive touch, but some can be dangerous for pets. Keep them out of their reach.

Poinsettias, a popular Christmas plan, are toxic to cats, alerts the Pet Poison Helpline . More worrisome plants include mistletoe and holly. Even small nibbles can cause symptoms like vomiting, drooling, or more serious health issues.

Lilies, often used in holiday floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats. Just a bite or two can cause acute kidney failure.

#5 Don’t Use Long Tablecloths or Table Runners

Planning an elaborate meal spread? Go for it, but skip using long tablecloths or runners. You never know, your furry friend might see the cloth as an opportunity to play tug-of-war.

If they do that, it could bring down not just the cloth but also everything on it—dishes, glasses, candles, and food, all crashing to the floor.

The American Kennel Club advises using shorter tablecloths or runners. They won’t hang the table’s edge, so your fur baby will be less likely to grab or pull at them.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed by the whole family, and that includes your furry friend, too. It takes just a few thoughtful adjustments to create a holiday-ready home that’s both beautiful and pet-safe. Keeping your pets safe and happy will allow you to relax and truly enjoy the season, minus the stress.