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Give Your Pets a Stress-Free Festive Period

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As the dark nights draw in and we wind down towards a well-earned break, we often look forward to a break in routine to let us reset. The same can’t be said for our pets, however, and often the things we enjoy most about the festive period can cause stress and worry for our furry family members. In this article, we discuss some of the things that can cause concern for our pets, why this happens and what we can do about it.

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Change in Routine

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As we already mentioned, many people look forward to not having to set an alarm and spending lazy days in their pajamas. For dogs, however, this can be disconcerting as they gain a lot of comfort from knowing the routine. Try to keep the essentials the same; even if walks are a bit later in the day, make sure they still get to go out, have some fresh air and stretch their legs. If they’re used to another walk later, even a quick nip around the block is likely to let them rest easily at night. Sleep is just as important as exercise; if pets are usually left on their own for most of the day, make sure they have enough opportunity to sleep and don’t keep getting disturbed.

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Visitors at Home

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We often welcome house guests or visitors over the festive period. Even if your guests are people your pet knows and likes, having them stay can cause pets to feel unsettled.

Many dogs are very sociable but will often still appreciate a quiet place to retreat to if the festivities get too much. Cats often prefer to keep to themselves. Consider where they usually hide away – often this is the spare room that may now be inaccessible. If their usual napping location isn’t quite as restful as usual, try to make sure they have some alternative places available. Smaller pets such as rabbits tend not to appreciate busy households. Increase in stress can make them more flighty, increasing risk of accidents, and for some species can even cause problems with digestion

For all pets, keeping the key parts of their routine the same can provide a lot of reassurance. Food, water and litter trays/toileting access should be readily available. If these are generally in busier areas of the house, consider moving them or offering alternatives somewhere quieter. Try to avoid or limit treats as a tummy upset won’t improve anyone’s Christmas!

Lastly, make sure visitors are pet-savvy if possible and don’t force pets to interact. Never leave your pet unsupervised with young children visiting, however trustworthy they normally are. Children can accidentally injure pets and even the calmest dog can snap if highly stressed.

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Staying Away from Home

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If you are visiting friends or family and staying for any length of time, it’s always wise to find out first whether your dog will be welcome. Ask if there will be any other dogs or cats there and also whether there will be any small children. Only take your dog if you know you can keep them safe in someone else’s house. It’s a really good idea to take a collapsible crate with you that your dog is used to sleeping in. This will ensure that they have somewhere secure to go if necessary and you can relax and enjoy the fun without worrying

If you aren’t able to take your pet, or feel that they would not enjoy a road-trip, consider whether a family member or friend could look after them in your home. Alternatively, pet sitters and kennels/catteries are usually available over the festive period but can book up well in advance – don't leave arranging this until the last minute!

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Staying Safe

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Unfortunately, the festive period comes with quite a few potential hazards. It is important to be aware of these so that you and your pets can have a relaxing Christmas and not have to pay an impromptu visit to the vets!

Chocolate and raisins are toxic to dogs and shouldn’t be eaten. Christmas decorations, children’s toys, batteries and festive plants (such as poinsettia) can all be harmful if ingested so should be kept well out of reach. Our article on festive hazards gives some useful tips on how to keep your pet safe during the festive period.

Remember, pets don’t understand that it is a special time of year, but with a bit of consideration your pets can have a wonderful Christmas along with everyone else!

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If you are worried about your pet over the holidays, your veterinary clinic will have provision in place for 24-hour care, so you will still be able to see a vet during the festive season.