Family gatherings during the holiday season may be crowded and noisy; that’s fun for people, but disturbing for your dog or cat…and one area veterinarian has some tips to keep your pet happy during the season.

Dr. Maggie Wilson from the Knoxville Veterinary Clinic tells KNIA/KRLS News the best step you can take to keep your dog or cat calm during the holiday season is to have someplace quiet for them to escape to.

“I always think it’s a good idea to make sure that pets have a safe place to go to in the house that’s away from visitors, that’s kind of their safe zone,” Dr. Wilson says. “With my own personal dog, we have a crate that has the door left open at all times, and it’s in a room where the kids aren’t allowed to go to, and it’s away from where visitors would go.”

She also reminds you to pick up the extra debris you’ll find around a home at Christmas time, everything from tinsel and ornament hangers, to wrapping paper and ribbons — all items which a dog or cat may be tempted to chew on, and which could be harmful if swallowed.

And if your family is getting a new puppy or kitten for the first time, Dr. Wilson says you should be prepared for both its immediate care and its long-term needs…because you’ll be essentially adding a new member to your family for the next 15 years.