The holiday season is an exciting time for many. It is full of joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. However, for many pets, it can also be a time of anxiety and uncertainty.
Between visitors, unfamiliar scents, routine changes, and a busier household, the holidays can create a lot of stress for our four-legged friends. Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to reduce your pet’s stress and ensure they have a happy, healthy holiday. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or both, these tips will help make this season as peaceful as possible for your furry family members.
Handling Visitors and New Faces
The sound of a doorbell can be enough to increase pet stress. Unfamiliar guests and the hustle and bustle of parties can be overwhelming for your pet. Some animals may become overly excited and forget their good manners, while others might get scared or nervous when surrounded by strangers and new activities.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your pet’s stress during these moments is to give them a safe space away from the action. If your pet tends to become quickly overwhelmed, set up a comfortable, quiet room for them to retreat to during busy times. This room can include their favorite blanket, a cozy rug, some treats, water, and some toys. A designated safe zone will allow your pet to unwind and enjoy peace and quiet while everyone celebrates. Remember to check on them periodically to ensure they are still happy in their quiet zone.
Strong Smells and Holiday Scents
During the holidays, strong scents from candles, potpourri, air fresheners, and other seasonal decorations can be overwhelming for pets—especially dogs and cats, with an incredibly sensitive sense of smell. Fun fact: a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than a human’s! What smells festive and cozy to us may be unpleasant or stressful for your pet.
To reduce your pet’s stress from overwhelming scents, limit the use of heavily scented items and ensure that any air fresheners or candles are well-ventilated. If you love decorating with these seasonal items, try placing them in areas out of your pet’s reach or only using them sparingly. Remember, a little goes a long way regarding scents, and minimizing exposure can help create a calm and soothing environment for your pet.
Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine
The holidays can get hectic, and it’s easy to let your pet’s exercise routine slip in the rush of decorating, shopping, and visiting family and friends. However, exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce your pet’s stress. A lack of movement can lead to behavioral problems like chewing, scratching, or even getting into mischief with gifts—creating additional holiday headaches for you.
Plan for additional play and exercise time in your busy holiday schedule. Whether it’s a walk with your dog, an interactive game of fetch, or an extra play session with your cat and their favorite toy, physical activity can help your pet release pent-up energy and calm their nerves.
And remember: walks are not just about exercise but also a great way to bond with your pet. If you’re having trouble fitting in walks during the holidays, consider contacting us at VIP Pets! We can set a dog walking schedule to ensure your pet gets the necessary exercise.
Stick to the Rules to Avoid Confusion
The holidays are full of changes, and it can be tempting to let your pet bend the rules more often—especially when guests are around. Perhaps you’re tempted to let your dog share the sofa with guests or toss them scraps from the table. While these little changes may seem harmless, they can actually increase your pet’s stress by breaking routines or causing confusion.
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a stable and stress-free environment for your pet. If certain rules—like staying off furniture or not begging at the table—are a part of their everyday routine, stick to them even during the busy holiday season. If you have concerns about your pet’s habits interfering with holiday entertaining, use the quiet room strategy from earlier to give your pet their own space to relax. Creating a calm, predictable environment will ensure your pet stays happy and stress-free, even when routines shift.
Prepare for Changes and Keep the Familiar
Holidays bring a lot of new sights, smells, people, and sounds into your home, and even the most well-adjusted pets can feel overwhelmed by these changes. To reduce your pet’s stress, try maintaining as much of their normal routine as possible. Feed them at the usual times, stick to their regular play schedule, and spend quality one-on-one time with them whenever you can. These small routines can provide comfort and stability during a time when everything else might feel chaotic.
Make Time for Relaxation
Sometimes, reducing stress isn’t about big changes or complex plans—it’s about simply making time for your pet. Whether it’s an extra cuddle session on the couch, an evening walk, or some quiet playtime with their favorite toy, these moments of connection can make a world of difference for your pet. When you show them love and attention during the holidays, they feel secure, happy, and ready to handle the hustle and bustle of the season.
The holidays are meant to be joyful, not stressful—so take the time to ensure you include your pets in the festivities! Following these tips to reduce your pet’s stress gives your furry friends the gift of a calm, happy, and peaceful holiday. Whether you have a high-energy dog or a laid-back cat, these strategies can be easily tailored to fit their needs.
So this holiday season, make harmony the goal. With these simple adjustments, your entire family—including your pets—can have a stress-free and wonderful holiday season.