Owners need to be aware that proper party petiquette will help everyone enjoy the silly season.  The Petcare Information and Advisory Service offers these tips.

• It can be fun to dress up your pet for a Christmas party. Tinsel or baubles attached to dog's collar are fine and many dogs won't mind humouring their owners by dressing up in reindeer ears for a short time, but your dog will generally prefer the "less is more" approach to Christmas finery.  
• If you are going to a party where your host's pet will be in attendance, think about taking along a present for their furred, feathered or finned friend. This will show that you understand their pet is part of the family.
• Guests prefer not to be greeted paws and all. Keep dogs from jumping up on guests by putting them on a leash as guests arrive. Even a well-trained dog can get carried away in the excitement of the festive season.
• If you receive an invitation to an outdoor event, check whether your dog is welcome. Don't assume they are invited as part of the family, especially if the host's pets are attending the party. If your dog is invited, always take along a leash and water bowl.
• Christmas decorations on the tree can be irresistible to a pet, as can the presents, left underneath - especially edible ones! Ensure that low-hanging ornaments are placed higher up on the tree and gifts are kept out of reach.

To keep pets calm, it is important that two-legged party animals remember not to over-excite pets during the festive season.  With the right party petiquette, a good time can be had by all. 

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