Visiting Family With Your Dog for the Holidays: Calm Tips

Visiting family with your dog can be one of the sweetest parts of the holidays. Your dog gets to join the gathering, and you skip the stress of finding a sitter. A little planning keeps the visit relaxed for your dog, your hosts and you.

A new home is full of new smells, new people and new rules. These simple tips help your dog settle in, keep their routine steady and make you the kind of houseguest who gets invited back.

Ask Your Hosts Before You Pack

Every home is different, so start with a friendly conversation a week or two before you go.

Confirm your dog is welcome, and for how many nights.
Ask about other pets, young children, allergies and any rooms that are off-limits.
Ask where your dog can sleep and where they should go potty.
Ask whether the yard is fully fenced, or plan to keep your dog on a leash outside.

Pack your dog’s vaccination records and your vet’s phone number. It also helps to look up an emergency vet near your hosts’ home before you leave, just in case.

Bring a Familiar Bed and a Quiet Corner

Dogs often settle faster with something that smells like home. Pack their own bed or cushion and set it up in a calm corner, away from the kitchen and the front door.

The Bear Boucle Cushion is a good travel bed for small dogs under 20 lbs. It is reversible, with soft faux wool on the front and a water-resistant cotton back, and the zip-off cover is washable. It comes in White and Brown.

Give your dog some quiet time in their corner each day, especially during busy meals and when new guests arrive. A dog who can rest is a dog who can enjoy the visit.

Travel Calmly and Arrive Ready

For small dogs, a soft carrier can feel like a cozy den on the way there and during the first busy hours. The Canvas Dog & Cat Carrier Bag in Ash Blue has a cotton canvas shell, a plush cushioned interior and a removable blanket insert. Dual-side zippers let you open the top for airflow and a view, or keep it closed for a calmer, tucked-in feel.

When you arrive, take your dog for a short walk before you go inside. Then let them explore the house slowly, one room at a time, on a leash if they are excited.

Keep Routines, Food and Water Steady

Stick to your usual meal times, walks and bedtime as much as you can. Bring your dog’s regular food, since a sudden switch can upset some stomachs.

Pack your dog’s own bowls, too. The Macaron Collapsible Bowl in Pink is made from food-grade silicone, holds up to 12 oz and folds into a slim disc with a carabiner clip, so it is easy to bring on the trip and on walks.

Holiday tables are full of rich foods that are not safe for dogs, like fatty scraps, cooked bones, onions, garlic, grapes and chocolate. Ask everyone, kindly, not to share plates and to keep food out of reach.

Call your vet or an emergency vet right away if your dog eats something unsafe. Call too if your dog has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, stops eating, or seems unusually tired or anxious during the trip.

Be a Considerate Houseguest

Wet or muddy paws can leave a mark on your hosts’ floors. Keep a towel by the door and wipe paws after every walk. The Hooded Microfiber Dog & Cat Dry Towel in Cream is 100% microfiber and very absorbent, and it doubles as a cozy wrap or travel blanket. It measures 31.5″ x 31.5″.

Pick up after your dog right away, in the yard too.
Do not leave your dog alone in the house unless your hosts agree and your dog is calm on their own.
Watch for signs of stress, such as pacing, panting, hiding, lip licking or yawning, and offer a break in their quiet corner.
Thank your hosts, and leave the space as clean as you found it.

House rules and needs differ in every home, so check with your hosts before you go and adjust as you settle in.