Holiday Anxiety & Stress In Pets

Posted on 18 December 2022
By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
Posted in cats, Common Dog & Cat Health Issues, Dog & Cat Supplements, Dog & Cat Wellness, dogs, Mental Stimulation Tips For Dogs & Cats
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It feels like the holiday season comes and goes as fast as Santa’s sleigh every year. It’s here in a blink and then old man winter joins the party. All kinds of preparations go into making the holiday season come to life from your home decorations, work parties, to family festivities. But what about your pets? The stress of the holidays or your stress from the holiday madness may play a role in your dog or cat’s mental wellbeing.

It feels like the holiday season comes and goes as fast as Santa’s sleigh every year. It’s here in a blink, and then old man winter joins the party. All kinds of preparations go into making the holiday season come to life, from your home decorations, and work parties, to family festivities. But what about your pets? The stress of the holidays or your stress from the holiday madness may play a role in your dog or cat’s mental well-being.

Symptoms Of Anxiety & Stress In Cats & Dogs

Our pets sense the stress we put on ourselves during this time of year. Holidays can make the entire house stressful while making our pets reactive and misbehave. This is a great time also to do a self-check-in. Are you missing your pets’ anxiety symptoms from the hustle and bustle? We have a list of symptoms that may be present when your pet needs support to get through stressful events.

Physical Signs Of Stress In Pets:

Drooling or lip-smacking
Panting
Excessive yawning
Pacing
Neediness or clingy behavior
Not eating or skipping meals
Hiding
Trembling or shaking
Body language - Tail tucking, cowering, hair hackles up, growling

Holiday Anxiety Triggers For Pets

In addition to the symptoms, some apparent triggers could be part of the behavior your pet is experiencing. Creating a safe environment or space that will allow your cat or dog time away from the festivities can make them more relaxed. Sometimes we all need to retreat during family visits and holiday parties to regroup and stay grounded. Let’s face it; sometimes, we even want to withdraw from all the commotion happening around us during family functions, let alone our pets, who can display sensitivities.

Holiday Travel With Your Cat Or Dog

If you are traveling with your pet for the holidays, you may want to have some remedies to help with different situations. If traveling by car, you may deal with whining, anxiety, fear, or car sickness if it’s a long haul. Finding options to make the ride more enjoyable for everyone will help with some peace and relaxation. If traveling by plane, it’s great to have a few things from our list below tucked in your travel bag for that just-in-case situation that may arise. Being in a new home, space, hotel, or rental for the holidays can be stressful for your cat or dog. Having some structure and routine, along with a bed or blanket with their scent, can help them through.

Pet Releaf: All-Natural CBD pet supplements for your pet's anxiety

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Preparing Your Pet For Holiday Parties

Remember that large gatherings of friends, family, other pets, guests, or kids can all be overstimulating to a pet that isn’t used to the commotion. Family can get loud together from excitement, gift-giving, and conversation, which may put your pet out of its element or comfort zone. Other noises, such as beeping timers, doorbells, squeaky doors, radios, fireworks, vacuums, etc., could all provoke a reaction.

Exercise & Play Reduce Anxiety In Pets

Be prepared to give your dog exercise to help reduce their energy and make a more pleasant event. It would be best to give your dog a longer-than-normal walk earlier in the day before the guests arrive. During dinner time, give your dog a brain game or enrichment activity to keep them occupied and not focused on the dinner table. For cats, work on putting them in a room with a closed door or other safe space that doesn’t give them a chance to dart out the door when guests are entering. Gathering them before guests arrive is best, so they don’t have a chance to get scared and hide. You can also give them interactive games or treat treasure hunts while confined to keep them busy and out of trouble. Make sure you think ahead when you have a clear mind and plan. This will ensure that your pets have a chance at a pleasant experience.

Safe Calming Remedies To Help Cats & Dogs

Progility Calming Aid by Nootie are chews that are great for when more instant calmness is needed. This blend of herbs supports the nervous system and allows your dog to stop panting and pacing. Typically owners see results within 30 minutes. These treats also contain probiotics and colostrum to support the immune system, which aids the body when under stress.
Earth Animal Calmness is an excellent option for cats and dogs as it’s a liquid tincture and can be given directly in the mouth. Often when animals are stressed, they avoid eating. This liquid tincture isn’t required to be provided with food. We love the combination of nervine herbs and flower remedies as they support the physical nervous system and the emotional imbalance from situational or known anxiety triggers. This formula is in a 2 oz bottle which is easy to tuck in a to-go back or air travel.

AromaDog Chill-Out is an excellent choice when you need to calm a whole house of dogs. This essential oil spray can alleviate anxiety without your pets asking a lot. This spray can be spritzed within a room or area to help calm one dog or multiple. This calming blend of chamomile, lavender, and sweet marjoram provides relaxing aromatherapy to help keep your pet happy and healthy. Ideally, this blend is used for hyperactivity, separation anxiety, thunderstorms, destructive nervousness, vet visits, and more. But let’s be real, if used for car rides, it can benefit humans who may be stressed out from their dog’s stress.

We have a calming supplement for every situation and need. Cats versus dogs and the best delivery method from powders to liquids, to room sprays to enrichment activities. Any of our associates would be happy to discuss different options and find the best choice for your situation, as every pet has different needs.

The holidays are in full swing, and time is flying by. Take one less item off your to-do list and get your items delivered! We offer same-day, local delivery in the Metro Detroit area starting at just $3! If you need holiday gift suggestions, any of our staff members can help! S top by our retail location in Madison Heights, Michigan, just north of Detroit, which is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, or visit our 24/7 natural pet food, treats, toys, and supplies store online. Please message us on Instagram or Facebook for further questions!