The festive season is a joyous time filled with gatherings, laughter, and cherished traditions but many concerned pet parents often wonder how to keep pets calm during Christmas.
For many pets, the sudden influx of guests and changes to their usual routine can be overwhelming. And it’s not just guests coming to your home – the festive period brings increased callers in the form of neighbours presenting gifts, carol singers and even delivery drivers dropping off boxes and packages of all shapes and sizes!
With some careful planning and gentle reassurance, you can make sure that your home is a happy and calm environment for everyone this Christmas, especially our furry babies!
Understanding the impact of visitors on pets
For pets, the presence of unfamiliar faces, increased noise, and disrupted routines can be unsettling. As pets cannot communicate their fears or frustrations in the same way as humans, their behaviour holds the key to their mood. Amid the busyness of Christmas, pets can often feel neglected, resulting in behaviour that may be perceived as being naughty. According to research by the Kennel Club, nearly a quarter of pet owners reported unusual behaviour from their dogs during the festive season, such as destroying presents or decorations and eating food from the dinner table.
More commonly, dogs might bark excessively, cats could retreat into hiding, and small animals may become anxious or skittish. Recognising these behaviours is the first step to providing the right support for your pets.
How to keep pets calm during Christmas: Preparing your home
Create a safe haven
Providing your pet with a designated safe haven is essential – think of it as a zen-like space for your furry friend to seek refuge when things become somewhat overwhelming for them.
- Dogs: Set up a quiet room with their bed, toys, and water where they can retreat if things get too noisy.
- Cats: Ensure they have access to a secure area, such as a cosy hiding spot or an elevated perch away from the commotion.
- Small animals: Place cages or enclosures in a calm, quiet part of the house, away from loud music and foot traffic.
As a bonus point, keep an eye on the temperature in your home. Between glaring Christmas lights, the increased number of people, an open fire and cranking up the thermostat to accommodate elderly relatives, some rooms can become very hot at Christmas. Make sure your pet does not overheat, and remember that anxious animals can be more prone to overheating.
Introduce new scents and sounds gradually
- Play festive music or simulate the sound of chatter to acclimate pets to the increased activity.
- For dogs and cats, allow them to sniff items that might carry visitors’ scents, like jackets or shoes, in a controlled setting before guests arrive.
Additionally, it’s not just human visitors that may cause anxiety for your pets. The arrival of festive decorations and the Christmas tree is an exciting part of Christmas. However, for pets, the rearranging of furniture and changes in their usual stomping ground can be unsettling for them. Make sure to introduce these elements gradually so that your pet can become accustomed to them in advance. If you have opted for a real Christmas tree, it’s worth noting that this will be an entirely new smell for your pet to sniff.
Stick to their routine
A consistent routine is crucial for reducing stress. Ensure regular feeding, walks, and playtimes are maintained, even on busy days. Predictability helps pets feel more secure, which means a happier and calmer home for everyone.
Signs your pet may be feeling overwhelmed
Despite your best efforts, pets can still experience moments of anxiety. Look out for these signs:
- Dogs: Excessive panting, whining, or pacing.
- Cats: Hiding, hissing, or avoiding the litter tray.
- Small animals: Refusing food, frozen posture, or rapid breathing.
If you notice these behaviours, give your pet some quiet time in their safe space to decompress.
Managing pets and visitors during festive gatherings
Communicate boundaries with guests
Remember, from a pet’s perspective, any unfamiliar guests are invading their home. While your pet shouldn’t rule the roost, it’s important to strike a balance between being sensitive to your pet’s feelings whilst also welcoming guests with open arms. Informing visitors of your pet’s needs before they arrive can help to defuse a potentially stressful situation.
- Ask guests to approach pets calmly and respect their space. The best approach when introducing an anxious pet to guests is to let your pet lead the interaction.
- Young children and toddlers can be boisterous and excitable thanks to the sugar-laden treats found in their stockings. This extra energy and noise may be difficult for your pet. Also, it’s understandable that some pets and children are simply not accustomed to each other. Try to educate children and encourage them to be gentle and avoid chasing or startling animals. At key times, your pet is probably better off in their safe haven.
- Mealtimes can also be challenging when it comes to boundaries between visitors and pets. Whilst generally done with the best of intentions, guests are often guilty of offering animals extra treats and human food during the festivities. However certain human food, such as chocolate, can be harmful to your pet. Visitors need to respect your pet’s diet – this means that you, as their owner, remain in control of your pet’s food intake.
Monitor interactions
Keeping a watchful eye on interactions between pets and visitors can prevent misunderstandings.
- If your dog seems uneasy, guide them to their safe space.
- Cats should always have an escape route available, especially if they dislike being handled.
- For small animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits, avoid allowing guests to handle them unless necessary.
Use calming aids
No matter how much consideration and planning you put into it, the chaos of Christmas can still be overwhelming for your furry companions. Calming aids such as VETIQ’s Serene Calming range are an excellent way to ease your pet’s stress during the holidays. Whether you choose treats or supplements, these natural remedies can help promote relaxation without causing drowsiness:
- Serene Calming Tablets: Suitable for dogs (both puppies and senior dogs) and cats, these can be added to your pet’s diet to help them feel relaxed.
- Serene Calming Ointment: Specifically for dogs, this ointment when applied to your pet’s nose releases a pheromone allowing your canine to relax, calm and settle quickly.
- Serene Calming Portable Diffuser: This is a new calming innovation for cats and kittens in the home. It works by releasing a pheromone into the air which helps your feline friend relax naturally.
- Serene Calming Drops: These drops are a natural supplement containing a specially formulated blend of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to combat tension and stress in dogs and cats.
Make sure to also check our Healthy Bites Serene Calming range. Formulated with chamomile and lemon balm to ease stress and anxiety, these treats are available for:
Explore how to keep pets calm during Christmas with the Serene Calming range
Everyone deserves a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas, and that includes your pets. With some planning and careful consideration, you can ensure that your pet feels comfortable and calm around visitors throughout the festive holiday. Remember, a happy pet equals a happy owner!
Explore the Serene Calming range today and make this Christmas a stress-free celebration for you and your furry companions. Also, visit our blog to learn more about how we can help your pet stay relaxed and happy this festive season!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, especially the furry ones, from all of us here at VETIQ!
