The holiday season brings joy, but it can also come with long to-do lists and added pressure for us humans. Now, imagine how our pets feel with all the hustle and bustle! With a house full of people, an amplitude of background noises, and disruptions to their routines, it’s no surprise many pets feel stressed and overwhelmed, too. Let’s take a deep breath and explore simple ways to help our pets stay safe, calm, and relaxed during this busy holiday season.
Common Sources of Our Pets’ Holiday Stress
- House Guests
- Loud Noises
- Changes in Routine (Feeding, Exercise, Sleep Schedules)
- Altering the Environment with Holiday Decorations (Bright Lights, Noises, and Hazards)
- Traveling
Common Signs of Stress
- Behavioral Changes: Hiding, excessive vocalization (barking, meowing, or chirping), destructive behavior (chewing, biting, scratching, or digging) and changes in eating or sleeping.
- Physical Symptoms: Shedding, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, pacing, trembling or shaking, or changes in coat or skin condition.
- Emotional Signs: Restlessness, clinginess, or aggression.
Tips for Helping Your Pet this Holiday Season
- Maintain Your Routine
- Stick to your pet’s regular feeding, exercise, and bedtime schedules as closely as possible.
- Assign a trusted family member to care for a specific pet, helping to lighten your holiday responsibilities.
- Create a Safe Space
- Set up a quiet room where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed during gatherings.
- Include blankets, their bed, toys, and treats, and consider using a TV or soft music for white noise.
- Introduce Decorations Gradually
- Bring out a few new decorations at a time to help your pet adjust.
- If a specific item causes fear or discomfort, consider removing it.
- Provide Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- Exercise or play with your pet before guests arrive to help burn off their energy and reduce stress.
- Use Calming Aids
- Try products like pheromone diffusers, calming treats, Thundershirts, or relaxation techniques tailored to your pet’s needs. Talk to your family veterinarian to learn more.
- Training and Socialization
- Help your pet adjust to new situations and environments through gradual training and social experiences.
- Educate Guests
- Inform guests about your pet’s preferences, such as where they do and don’t like to be touched.
- Educate guests on pet safety by encouraging them to keep purses and bags as well as plates and drinks out of your pet’s reach.
- During the gathering, supervise interactions between pets and children, as well as between unfamiliar pets.
- Pre-Holiday Veterinary Check-Up
- Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy and address potential health concerns before the busy season.
Addressing Signs of Stress in Your Pet
- Identify the Cause
- Determine what’s stressing your pet and address it if possible—such as removing your pet from a noisy room or turning off flashing or moving decorations.
- Seek Professional Advice
- Consult your family veterinarian, a behaviorist, or a professional trainer for guidance and tips to help manage your pet’s stress.
- Handle Severe Cases Immediately
- If your pet shows extreme stress resulting in physical harm, like over-grooming or self-injury, seek urgent or emergency veterinary care right away.
We hope these tips help make your pet’s holiday season less stressful—and yours as well! With a few extra steps, you can ensure the holidays are festive and fun for your whole family, pets included.
More Reading:
- A Pet Parent’s Guide to Holiday Guests
- Traveling with Pets for the Holidays
- Common Thanksgiving Foods That Are Dangerous to Pets
- Common Christmas Pet Dangers
- Top 7 Hanukkah Pet Dangers
- 4 Potential Kwanzaa Pet Dangers
- Did You Hear That!? Noise Aversion in Dogs
- Reactivity in Dogs | Part I: The Myth of the Good Dog
