Tinsel on the tree, carols on repeat, and guests popping in with mince pies; it’s officially the Christmas season! But while we humans may thrive on festive chaos, our furry friends aren’t always as keen. Flashing lights, loud noises, and strange visitors can turn the holidays into a bit of a minefield for sensitive pets; that’s why helping pets stay calm during all the festive madness is more important than ever.
In this article, we’ll share simple, practical tips to help reduce anxiety and create a cosy, calm environment for your pet, because a relaxed pet means a merrier Christmas for everyone!
Common causes of festive stress for pets
The festive season is a blast for humans with sparkling lights, tasty treats, and cosy get-togethers. But for our pets, it’s not always so jolly!
New decorations, strange smells, and disrupted routines can throw them off completely. Add in a bit of separation anxiety (thanks to extra errands and social visits), and you’ve got a recipe for a nervous pup or a cranky cat.
Helping your furry friend stay calm starts with knowing what stresses them out. By spotting these common stressors early, you can help create a peaceful holiday environment where they feel just as relaxed as you do in your fluffy pyjamas with a hot chocolate!
Sensory overload in a busy home
With your house full of people, music playing on a loop, and glittery ornaments everywhere, it’s no wonder pets get a bit frazzled! All that sensory overload can make it hard for them to chill out.
Cooking smells, strong-scented candles, noisy toys, and flashing lights can confuse or scare your pet. For animals used to a quieter life, a busy festive household can feel like a theme park they didn’t buy tickets for. A little awareness goes a long way, so try to give them a calm zone where the sensory chaos is kept to a minimum.
Disrupted routines and overstimulation
Pets are creatures of habit. They love knowing when it’s walk time, dinnertime, or snuggle-on-the-couch time. But during the holidays, all that structure can fly out the window. Walks get delayed, visitors arrive unannounced, and routines shift.
Some pets might get a bit neglected in the hustle and bustle, while others are smothered in attention from well-meaning guests. Either way, they can feel overstimulated or out of sorts.
Helping pets stay calm: How to create a safe space
A quiet, familiar space can work wonders for an anxious dog or cat. All it takes is a few thoughtful touches: their favourite blanket, a beloved squeaky toy, and maybe some calming music!
By reducing noise, keeping lighting soft, and adding scents or products that help them relax, you’ll be giving your furry friend their own festive retreat. It’s the paw-fect way to make sure they feel safe, even when the house is buzzing with Yuletide cheer.
Designate a peaceful retreat
Pick a quiet room or corner where your pet can unwind in peace. Bring in familiar blankets, toys, and their favourite bed; whatever makes them feel at home. Let your guests (especially noisy, curious kids!) know this space is off-limits.
A comfy crate or soft bedding helps them feel secure. Having a designated retreat gives your pet somewhere to press pause when the festivities get too much. Think of it as their own VIP lounge!
Minimise noise and visual stressors
Try these simple tricks to make your home a little more pet-friendly during the holidays:
- Close the curtains to block outside flashes
- Play soothing tunes or calming white noise
- Skip flashing lights near your pet’s area
- Avoid fireworks or loud party poppers indoors
- Keep the lighting soft and steady
Throw in some cosy cushions and soft furnishings to muffle noise, and you’ve got yourself a haven of calm amidst the holiday hustle!
Festive hazards to avoid for a stress-free season
Sparkly, shiny, and oh-so-tempting; holiday decorations and treats are basically a giant “chew me” sign for pets.
But many festive items are more dangerous than they look. From chocolate and grapes to dangling tinsel and candles, it’s important to keep the curious noses of your four-legged friends safe.
Avoiding accidents not only keeps your pet healthy, but it also helps reduce stress for both of you!
Foods and decorations to keep out of reach
Let’s be real; most pets don’t know the difference between a tasty snack and a deadly one. So keep the following off the menu:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Cooked bones
- Alcohol (obviously!)
Decorations like tinsel, ribbons, and even pine needles can also cause serious tummy trouble. Keep them out of reach!
Visitors, excitement, and overhandling
New people in the house, excited kids, and lots of belly rubs from strangers can all be a bit much for pets!
Introduce guests slowly, and ask them not to feed or overwhelm your dog or cat, especially if they’re shy or nervous.
- Here’s how to help your pet stay cool under pressure:
- Give them quiet time away from guests
- Watch how they react to attention
- Use toys and games (like tug or fetch) to redirect extra energy
The holidays should be fun for everyone, including your pet. A bit of mindfulness goes a long way!
Managing travel anxiety and change of environment
Whether it’s a trip to Granny’s or a longer holiday getaway, travel can be tough on pets. New smells, new places, and long car rides can bring on anxiety, but with a little planning, travelling with pets can be totally manageable.
Car journeys
Here’s how to keep car travel mellow for your pet:
- Use a comfy, well-ventilated carrier
- Add familiar blankets or a piece of your clothing
- Stop often for water, toilet breaks, and leg stretches
- Try short practice runs before longer trips
Familiar smells are magic when it comes to keeping pets calm. A favourite toy or something that smells like home can make all the difference!
Staying away from home
Even on the road, routines matter. Stick to your pet’s usual feeding and walking schedule as closely as possible. Pack their go-to comforts, like food bowls, blankets, toys, and don’t push them to be too social if they’re not feeling it.
Calming music and quiet time help when the surroundings are new. Familiar smells and sounds can ground your pet and make them feel safe, even when they’re miles from home.
Helping pets stay calm during New Year’s Eve celebrations
Alongside Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night, New Year’s Eve can be one of the noisiest nights of the year. Try not to leave your pet alone if fireworks are expected. Stay relaxed; your calm energy can help them feel more secure.
Before the party starts:
- Make sure they’re fed, walked, and settled
- Keep them indoors with access to their safe zone
- Play familiar sounds to block out the booms
Once the fireworks are over, keep things low-key. Reassure them, stick to their normal routine, and give them space to wind down. Just like us, pets need a little recovery time after a big night!
Helping pets stay calm this Christmas with the Serene Calming range
The Christmas holidays can be full of surprises, and while we might love the excitement, it can be a bit much for our pets. That’s where VETIQ’s Serene Calming range comes in!
Whether your pet needs a quick fix or some daily support, there’s a calming option to help them feel safe, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the festive fun:
- Serene Calming Tablets: These are perfect for everyday use during the festive season. They help pets feel calmer without making them sleepy, ideal for those noisy nights or when the doorbell just won’t stop ringing.
- Serene Calming +Plus Tablets: Got a bigger dog who gets a bit too bouncy or anxious this time of year? These tablets are made especially for large breeds who need a little extra help staying chill during the madness of Christmas.
- Serene Calming Ointment: When you need fast results, like sudden fireworks or a last-minute party, this quick-to-use ointment is a real lifesaver. Just pop a little on your dog’s nose, and it helps them settle down within minutes.
- Serene Calming Drops: These drops are easy to add to food or water and are great for keeping pets relaxed all day long. Perfect if your pet gets jumpy with all the changes around the house or during travel.
- Serene Calming Portable Diffuser: This plug-free diffuser is made just for cats and kittens. It gently releases calming scents into the air, helping your feline friends feel more at ease; no cords, no hassle, just calm vibes.
- Serene Calming Supplement Chews: These tasty chews double as treats and calming support. Packed with natural goodness, they’re great for dogs who get anxious during storms, loud noises, or changes to their routine.
- VETIQ Christmas Variety Gift Pack for Dogs: Want to treat your dog to something special? This festive gift pack includes calming chews, a boost of vitamins, and a handy LED collar light, a lovely way to keep your pup happy, healthy, and visible on festive evening walks.
- VETIQ Christmas Variety Gift Pack for Cats: Don’t forget the cats! This thoughtful bundle includes hairball relief treats, a daily vitamin boost, and a cute LED collar light, everything your feline friend needs to stay comfy, healthy, and a little bit fancy this Christmas!
Whatever your pet’s personality or needs, the Serene Calming range makes it easier to handle the hustle and bustle of the season. Keep things merry and mellow, with a little help from VETIQ!
From all of us here at VETIQ, Merry Christmas to humans and pets alike!
Helping pets stay calm during Christmas FAQs
Q: What causes pets to feel anxious during the festive season?
A: We’ve found that flashing lights, loud music, changes to routine, unfamiliar guests, and strong smells can all trigger anxiety in pets during the holidays!
Q: How can I help my pet stay calm at Christmas?
A: We recommend creating a quiet retreat, maintaining their usual routine, reducing noise and light exposure, and using calming products like the VETIQ Serene Calming range to support relaxed behaviour.
Q: What are the best calming products for pets at Christmas?
A: We offer a great range of calming products, including tablets, drops, ointments, chews, and a portable diffuser, all designed to ease festive stress without causing drowsiness!
Q: Are there calming solutions specifically for large or very active dogs?
A: Yes, we recommend Serene Calming +Plus Tablets. They’re made for large or excitable dogs and help reduce anxiety caused by noise, travel, or being left alone!
Q: What is the fastest-acting calming product for dogs during fireworks or parties?
A: We suggest using Serene Calming Ointment. It’s fast-acting and provides relief within 20 minutes when applied to your dog’s nose, perfect for sudden stress like fireworks, parties, unexpected guests or loud Christmas carolers!
Q: Can calming drops be added to food or water for pets?
A: Absolutely. Our Serene Calming Drops are easy to use and can be added to your pet’s food or water daily to support ongoing calmness and reduce anxiety.
Q: What’s a good calming solution specifically for cats?
A: We recommend our Serene Calming Portable Diffuser, which releases cat-specific calming pheromones into the air, ideal for cats and kittens who get stressed by changes or visitors!
Q: Are VETIQ calming products safe to use long-term?
A: Yes, all our Serene Calming products are made with natural ingredients and are safe for prolonged use to support your pet’s emotional well-being throughout the season and beyond.
Q: What should I pack to reduce Christmas-time travel anxiety in pets?
A: We always bring familiar items like blankets and toys, keep pets on their regular routine, and use Serene Calming Drops or Tablets to help ease travel-related stress.
Q: Are there festive gift options that help with pet anxiety?
A: Yes! Our Christmas Variety Gift Packs for Dogs, as well as one for cats, include calming treats, health boosters, and LED collar lights, perfect for promoting wellness and relaxation over the holidays.
