The holidays are a time of extra activity, excitement, and change — and if that can feel overwhelming for us, imagine how it feels for your dog or cat. A houseful of guests, unfamiliar smells, altered routines, and an abundance of food they shouldn’t eat can turn a festive season into a stressful one for your pet.

Here are five straightforward things you can do to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Give Them a Dedicated Safe Space

When the house fills up with visitors, your pet needs somewhere they can retreat to. Dogs and especially cats can feel stressed when unfamiliar people suddenly appear in their territory. A crate, a quiet bedroom, or any space that’s designated as off-limits to guests gives your pet a place to decompress when things get too loud or chaotic.

Make sure their safe space has everything they need — water, a comfortable bed, and a familiar toy or blanket. If your pet retreats there, respect it. Don’t force them to come back out and socialize.

Don’t Let Visitors Overwhelm Them

Your family and friends are probably excited to see your pet, and most people mean well when they rush over to pet them or pick them up. But even the most social dog or patient cat has limits. Too much attention from too many people can push them past their comfort threshold.

Let your pet approach guests on their own terms. Ask visitors — especially children — to give the animal space and let them initiate contact. This small adjustment prevents a lot of stress-related incidents.

Resist the Urge to Share Holiday Food

It’s tempting to slip your dog a piece of turkey or let your cat try a bit of ham, but holiday foods are a leading cause of pet emergencies during the season. Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, alcohol, rich fatty foods, and anything with xylitol are all dangerous. Even foods that aren’t outright toxic can cause pancreatitis or digestive upset if your pet isn’t used to them.

Make sure guests know the rules too. Well-meaning visitors who sneak table scraps to your dog can create real problems. Stick to your pet’s normal diet and treats.

Watch Out for Decorations and Hazards

Holiday decorations introduce risks that aren’t present the rest of the year. Tinsel, ribbon, and ornament hooks are choking and intestinal blockage hazards. Lit candles can be knocked over by curious tails. Some holiday plants — poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly — are toxic to pets. Electrical cords from lights and decorations are tempting chew targets.

Do a walkthrough of your decorated spaces from your pet’s eye level. Anything within reach that could be chewed, swallowed, or knocked over needs to be secured or moved.

Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible

Dogs and cats thrive on routine, and the holidays tend to blow routines apart. Feeding times shift, walks get skipped, bedtimes change, and the household energy is different. Try to maintain your pet’s normal schedule as closely as you can — regular meal times, regular exercise, and regular rest.

Consistency is the single most calming thing you can provide when everything else around them is changing.

The holidays should be enjoyable for everyone in the household, including the four-legged members. A little planning and awareness goes a long way toward making sure your pet gets through the season happy, healthy, and stress-free.