Christmas can be a lot for our furry friends to handle. With strange visitors, loud bangs, flashing decorations, and routines gone astray, it’s easy to see why many animals get a bit frazzled. That’s why reducing pet anxiety during the holidays is something every pet parent should keep in mind!
Don’t worry, though, we’ve put together some simple, feel-good tips to help keep your furry friend calm and content. With a little planning and a lot of treats, you can make sure your pet enjoys the festive cheer just as much as you do!
Understanding why Christmas triggers pet anxiety
While Christmas is full of fun and celebration for us humans, it can be a bit of a sensory overload for our pets. One moment, their home is calm and familiar, the next thing they know, it’s a festive frenzy of flashing lights, strange smells, and noisy guests. No wonder they feel a little on edge!
But here’s the good news: once you know what’s setting them off, you can take steps to calm their nerves and make the holidays feel a lot more jolly. From unexpected visitors to loud noises, recognising what causes pet anxiety at Christmas helps you prepare and keep tails wagging!
What changes during the festive season?
Let’s face it, Christmas turns our homes upside down! Tinsel, trees, blinking lights, wrapped presents, and maybe even a talking Santa that startles you, never mind the dog. All of these changes can throw pets off their game.
There’s also some travel, lots of visitors, and a ton of strange smells, all adding to the Yuletide mayhem. And if your pet’s usual walkies or nap schedule goes out the window, that’s more fuel for the festive freak-out!
How do pets show they’re anxious?
Pets can’t say “I’m stressed” out loud, but they’ve got plenty of ways to show it, such as:
- Shaking or trembling
- Hiding under the table (or behind the tree!)
- Whining or drooling
Looking at you like the world is ending
And behaviour-wise, you might notice:
- ‘Velcro-pet syndrome’ (they won’t leave your side)
- A surprise “present” on the rug!
- Chewed-up shoes or decorations
- Barking like they’re on high alert
Think of it like this: if something would make you anxious, it might do the same for your furry friend. Spotting the signs early gives you a chance to swoop in with cuddles, calming tricks, or their favourite squeaky toy.
Reducing pet anxiety at Christmas with planning and preparation
When it comes to keeping pets calm over Christmas, a bit of planning can work wonders. A consistent routine and familiar surroundings can make all the difference between a nervous Nellie and a relaxed Rudolph!
Whether it’s sticking to their usual dinner time or easing them into the Christmas chaos slowly, a bit of prep helps pets feel safe and secure when the decorations go up, and the guests roll in!
Maintain consistency wherever you can
Pets are big fans of routine. Try to keep feeding, walkies, and bedtime as close to normal as possible. Build in quiet time before and after big events, like family visits or loud movies, so your pet can relax and recharge.
Regular meals, daily playtime, and maybe a chilly game of fetch in the garden can work wonders. Teaching a new trick or offering a treat puzzle adds a fun challenge that boosts confidence and keeps them distracted from all the festive fuss.
Introduce changes gradually
Don’t go from banal normality to Santa’s Grotto overnight; introduce decorations a little at a time so your pet isn’t overwhelmed. If you’re planning a Christmas playlist, maybe start with some softer festive classics; no need to blast Mariah Carey at full volume on day one (she’ll be fully thawed out by early December either way!)
Adding in new smells, sounds, or routines bit by bit gives your pet time to adjust without going into full panic mode. Even small changes, like starting a new calming bedtime routine early in December, can set the stage for a much more peaceful Christmas.
Creating a calm Christmas environment
Just like us, pets need a chill zone to escape the Christmas madness. Whether it’s a guest overload or a wrapping-paper explosion, giving them a calm corner to retreat to can work wonders.
Set up a safe retreat zone
Create a cosy, quiet space just for your pet. A comfy bed, a few favourite toys, and a bowl of fresh water are the basics. Keep it guest-free, child-free, and ideally far from the tree, especially if your dog thinks Christmas decorations are chew toys!
Add blankets, a nice calming diffuser, or some gentle music to complete the vibe. If your pet enjoys a bit of one-on-one time, bring a puzzle toy or chew to their chill zone and keep them entertained in peace.
Manage guests and festive noise
We love our guests, but some humans can be a bit much for pets.
Let visitors know how best to interact with your furry friend, or when to give them space. During big gatherings, try keeping pets busy with treats, toys, or snuffle mats to distract them from the chaos.
To soften the soundscape, close the curtains, pop on some calming tunes or background TV noise, and avoid surprise crackers or sudden fireworks. Think soft and soothing, not loud and startling.
Reducing pet anxiety with activities and distractions
Distraction is the name of the game. Keep those tails wagging and minds busy with fun, calming activities that take the focus off the holiday drama!
Try enrichment toys and puzzles
Mental stimulation means a calm, happy pet. Try out some of these festive favourites:
- Food puzzles
- Lick mats (especially with peanut butter!)
- Durable chew toys
These activities offer your pet something fun and rewarding to focus on, helping them burn off nervous energy in a healthy, positive way.
Make treat time a calming ritual
Turn treat time into “me time” for your pet. Offer healthy snacks in a calm setting, with some soft strokes, belly rubs, or a bit of gentle play. It’s a great way to show love while helping them relax.
Make it a routine, and they’ll start to associate the season with good vibes and tasty rewards, just the way it should be!
Reducing pet anxiety this Christmas with the VETIQ Calming range
When it comes to reducing pet anxiety at Christmas, a little planning and the right support can go a long way. From maintaining routines to creating calm zones and using enrichment toys, these small steps can make a big difference. But when your pet needs that little extra help staying relaxed, VETIQ’s Serene Calming range is here to save the season!
Whether you’ve got a nervous pup, a stressed-out kitty, or a pet who just isn’t feeling the festive spirit, there’s a calming solution to suit every situation:
- Serene Calming Tablets: A calming must-have for pets feeling overwhelmed by Christmas visitors, flashing lights, or noisy celebrations.
- Serene Calming +Plus Tablets: Ideal for larger or more excitable dogs who need extra support to stay calm during the festive hustle and bustle.
- Serene Calming Ointment: Fast-acting relief for pets spooked by sudden Christmas noises like crackers, fireworks, or party poppers.
- Serene Calming Drops: A daily dose of calm to help pets handle the ongoing excitement and disruption of the holiday season.
- Serene Calming Supplement Chews: Tasty, treat-like support for dogs who struggle with festive changes like visitors, travel, or loud gatherings.
- Serene Calming Portable Diffuser: A plug-free, cat-friendly diffuser that helps soothe anxious felines during Christmas commotion and unfamiliar routines.
- VETIQ Christmas Variety Gift Pack for Dogs: A thoughtful festive bundle to help your dog stay calm, healthy, and visible during busy holiday fun.
- VETIQ Christmas Variety Gift Pack for Cats: A seasonal treat pack that supports calm behaviour, digestion, and safety for cats amid the Christmas excitement.
A relaxed pet means a happier home this Christmas. Explore our Serene Calming range and make this festive season the most peaceful one yet, for you and your four-legged family!
Merry Christmas to all pets and pet parents, from all of us here at VETIQ!
Reducing pet anxiety during Christmas FAQs
Q: What causes pet anxiety during Christmas?
A: Changes in routine, flashing lights, loud noises, strange visitors, and unfamiliar smells can all trigger anxiety in pets during the festive season.
Q: How can I reduce my pet’s anxiety during Christmas?
A: We recommend keeping routines consistent, introducing decorations gradually, and creating a quiet retreat space where your pet can relax away from the festive chaos. Vet-approved, specifically designed calming products help, too!
Q: What are the signs of pet anxiety at Christmas?
A: Common signs include shaking, hiding, barking, whining, chewing, or clingy behaviour. Spotting these early helps owners take steps to calm them down!
Q: How does routine help reduce pet anxiety over Christmas?
A: Pets thrive on predictability, so sticking to regular feeding, walking, and sleep times helps them feel safe and grounded amid the holiday disruptions.
Q: What activities help calm pets during Christmas?
A: We recommend enrichment toys, food puzzles, lick mats, or treat time rituals to stimulate pets and distract them from stressful festive triggers mentally.
Q: Which VETIQ product is best for pets who suffer from sudden anxiety?
A: VETIQ Serene Calming Ointment offers fast-acting relief for sudden noise anxiety and is perfect for use during fireworks or loud gatherings.
Q: Are there calming supplements for pets who get anxious throughout the festive season?
A: Yes, VETIQ Serene Calming Drops and Tablets offer daily, non-sedative support to help pets stay relaxed throughout Christmas.
Q: What’s the difference between VETIQ Serene Calming Tablets and +Plus Tablets?
A: Serene Calming +Plus tablets are formulated for larger or more hyperactive dogs needing extra support, while the originals suit most cats and dogs during seasonal stress.
Q: Are there any festive gift packs that help anxious pets?
A: Yes, the VETIQ Christmas Variety Gift Packs for Dogs and Cats include calming products, supplements, and LED safety lights, perfect for gifting peace of mind and wellness!
Q: Can I use multiple VETIQ calming products together?
A: Absolutely. Many products in the VETIQ Serene Calming range can be used together for layered support, especially during high-stress periods like Christmas!
