If the arrival of company, presents, and more overwhelms you, imagine what it does to your furry friend? Whether you're staying home, or traveling away in the next couple weeks, try to maintain consistency for your pet's sake. Brush up on holiday dangers and come up with a plan ahead of time. Trust me, it's for the best.

One of the first ways to help minimize your furry friend's stress is to dedicate a room or section of your home (or the place you're visiting) to be the pet's zone. Put toys, treats, and bedding in that area and restrict access for other people. That way a shy animal can still grab some quiet time and have her familiar things gathered in one spot.

Also make sure to create safe spaces from seasonal dangers. If you've got a nosy pooch, set up a pen around the presents under the tree when Santa comes or put up a baby gate to keep four paws out of the cook's kitchen – 'cause safety can also mean keeping pets' nosy noses out. Do you have any tips and tricks for helping the holidays go by without a hitch? Share them in your comments below.

The latest tallies are in . . . and your votes named this Snow Leopard cub, Emba, as the cutest zoo babe born in '08. (Good choice since that face is pretty adoro!) I also wanted to give a special shoutout to Monifa, since the pygmy hippo's piccys were some of the sweetest I've ever seen (refresh your memory here). Let's be honest, what baby animal isn't absolutely precious?! Think on that while I'm awwwing away . . .

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Hudson is prepped, under the tree, and ready to go for Christmas morning. He's totally the gift I'd want to open!

Congrats to Hudson and Hud Mom for being chosen as our Pet Pic of the Day! Don't forget to send in your favorite holiday snapshots of your four legged friends — you may see them on the pages of PetSugar!

Sure, you can always give a dog a bone, but there are plenty more inventive ways to reward the dog lovers in your life and their best friends this holiday. If you've waited until this moment don't fret — I've found a selection of gift ideas you can purchase here or any major store.

• I speak for my fellow dog lovers when I say small gag gifts are always a hit. This Woof & Poof Musical Scottie Dog ($24) is a playful decoration for any time of year and makes funny sounds.
• A shiny new dog bowl will please any hungry hound and delight any puppy parent.
• Does your dog lover like to bake? Duck into stores like Williams-Sonoma for Scotty Dog cookie cutters ($10).
• Every friend of Fido has struggled to keep the dog food dry and fresh. Gift a large bulk container to keep the smell in and pets out.
• A Portable Bag-It Trash Bag Dispenser will pack a stash of pick up bags can connect to a backpack or dog leashes.