Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy This Easter

As Easter approaches, bringing with it the joy of family gatherings and chocolate-filled celebrations, our experienced team at Tallowood Boarding Lodge wants to ensure your beloved pets stay safe and content throughout the festivities. Drawing from our years of experience caring for furry family members, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the holiday season.

Creating a Peaceful Sanctuary

During bustling Easter celebrations, it’s essential to prioritise your pet’s wellbeing by establishing a quiet retreat. Our animal behaviour specialists recommend setting up a dedicated space where your pet can decompress when festivities become overwhelming. This sanctuary should include their favourite bed with familiar bedding, comfort items carrying their scent, and fresh water within easy reach. Adding gentle background music can help mask household noise, while providing their favourite toys enables self-directed play when they need a distraction.

Understanding Easter-Specific Risks

Our veterinary partners have emphasised several holiday-specific hazards that require special attention during Easter celebrations. Chocolate poses a significant threat to both cats and dogs, with even small amounts potentially causing serious health issues. Similarly, hot cross buns contain raisins and sultanas that can be toxic to pets.

Traditional Easter decorations also present risks to our furry friends. Plastic eggs, synthetic basket grass, and decorative ribbons can become choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Cats in particular will be drawn to easter decorations as fun play toys, so keeping them out of reach is important.

We strongly advise keeping all chocolate and confectionery in sealed containers out of reach, and carefully counting Easter eggs before and after hunts. Store decorations securely when not in use, and always supervise pets around Easter displays. After any egg hunts, conduct thorough checks of outdoor areas to ensure no treats have been missed.

The Importance of Routine

At Tallowood, we’ve observed that pets manage holiday stress best when their regular routines remain intact. This includes maintaining consistent feeding times, regular exercise schedules, normal grooming routines, and established bedtime patterns. Regular play sessions should continue throughout the holiday period, helping to provide stability during this busy time.

We recommend scheduling exercise or playtime before guests arrive, as a well-exercised pet typically handles social situations more confidently. This preparation can significantly influence how your pet manages the day’s excitement, helping them remain calmer during celebrations.

Managing Social Interactions

Holiday gatherings can challenge even the most sociable pets. Our experienced handlers suggest introducing visitors gradually to prevent overwhelming your pet. Establish clear rules for guest interactions and monitor for signs of anxiety, such as excessive grooming or hiding. Ensure your pet always has easy access to their quiet space, and consider using physical barriers like baby gates where needed.

Taking time to brief your guests about your pet’s preferences and any household rules is essential. This includes guidelines about not sharing food and keeping certain doors closed. These simple precautions can prevent many common holiday incidents and ensure both pets and guests feel comfortable.

Effective Anxiety Management

Through our work with anxious boarders at Tallowood, we’ve identified several successful strategies for managing holiday stress. Interactive puzzle toys can provide excellent mental stimulation, while anxiety wraps or thunder shirts often help nervous pets feel more secure. Maintaining consistent exercise leading up to celebrations is crucial, as is offering calm-promoting activities throughout the day.

Professional Care Options

If you’re planning extensive Easter celebrations, consider whether your pet might benefit from a stay at Tallowood Boarding Lodge. We provide a calm, structured environment with professional care from experienced staff who understand the importance of regular exercise and enrichment activities. Our peaceful surroundings offer a welcome retreat from holiday chaos, and we specialise in providing individual attention and monitoring. For pets prone to anxiety, we develop customised care plans that address their specific needs.

Post-Celebration Care

Once Easter festivities conclude, helping your pet transition back to normal is crucial. Remove all holiday treats and decorations promptly, ensuring outdoor areas are thoroughly checked for missed items. Return to regular routines quickly while monitoring for any unusual behaviour. This period may require extra attention and reassurance as your pet adjusts back to everyday life.

At Tallowood Lodge, we recognise that each pet has unique needs and responses to holiday situations. Our team specialises in developing personalised approaches to holiday care, whether you’re seeking advice for managing celebrations at home or considering professional boarding during the Easter period.
Remember, our experienced team is always available to discuss your pet’s specific requirements and help create a tailored plan for managing holiday stress. Whether you need temporary boarding or guidance on creating a pet-safe Easter celebration, we’re here to support you and your beloved pets.

Wishing you and your pets a safe, peaceful Easter celebration!
For enquiries about our Easter boarding services or to book a stay for your pet, contact Tallowood Lodge today.