How does the poem go? “Not a creature was stirring…”
The truth is that the holidays can be hectic. Loud. And crowded. At the very least, they’re likely to cause some sort of change in our pets’ routines, says Dr. David MacDonald, DVA, CVM, CVSMT, with Doylestown Veterinary Hospital. So, not only are our creatures stirring – some of them may be outright stressed.
“We can recognize that ourselves,” Dr. MacDonald says. “Because we get stressed during the holidays.”
Animals are fans of routine. “They’re creatures of habit,” he adds.
When changes come along—whether that’s for a few hours or a day or a week—routines get thrown out of whack, and that’s when the stirring begins.
Recognizing Pet Anxiety During Holiday Gatherings
According to Dr. MacDonald, anxiety may look different in different kinds of dogs, which can make recognizing the signs sort of tricky.
His advice? “You know your dog better than anyone else. You know what is expected. You know the normal routine you’re aiming to maintain. You want to stick with that as best as you can.”
Obviously, during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, that’s easier said than done. The important thing is to incorporate elements where you can, when you can.
Dr. MacDonald says there are a few red flags to look out for when celebrating the holidays with a pet in the midst. And there are a few things you can do to help them keep their cool.
Reestablish a Normal Rhythm
Many animals will exhibit gastrointestinal distress when stressed – or at the very least, a change in eating habits.
“They may not want to eat, or they may not eat the same way. They might leave some of their food in the bowl. And even if they eat well, they may have diarrhea, which has a distinct stress component to it,” Dr. MacDonald says.
The solution?
Get some fresh air – and not just for obvious reasons.
“It’s good to go for a walk when you can,” Dr. MacDonald says. “Physical activity is good for our dogs’ bodies, but it’s also good for their brain function. Even if you can carve out just 15-20 minutes for a little walk – even if you’re in a different place, a different state, or a different part of the country – just do it. It helps to reestablish a normal rhythm. They think, ‘Oh, we’re going for a walk. I like going for walks. This is a good thing.’”
Provide a Safe Space
Some animals may also feel socially disconnected during holiday gatherings, notes Dr. MacDonald.
“They’ll stay under the table where they’re not going to be under people’s feet or go to another room where there’s not as much going on,” he says. “Some animals are just going to hide under the bed because they’re overwhelmed.”
He compares the holidays to thunderstorms, in a sense. “Some of our animals are fine with them. It’s no big deal. And others are shaking in their boots, they’re so scared. You may see similar reactions during a family gathering, because to them – it’s the same intensity. It’s not easy.”
The best thing to do? “Provide that safe space for them,” Dr. MacDonald says. “Make sure they have a place they can chill out. Maybe that’s a guest room, a bed, or a crate – any space they can retreat to and feel safe.”
Festive Felines
Dogs are frequently the focus during holiday get-togethers, but cats can certainly experience the same kinds of distress, Dr. MacDonald says.
“Some people do travel with their cats,” he says. “You need to try to provide that same kind of safety for them.”
Cats, he notes, are going to make a beeline under the nearest bed. And some are just going to remove themselves from the revelers altogether.
“When there’s too much going on – our cats go into hiding,” he says. “And that’s OK. That’s a safe thing for them to do.”
The problem arises when the visit extends for several days or weeks and cats don’t feel comfortable emerging from their hideaway. That’s when they’re more likely to stop frequenting their litter box – and start finding other alternatives.
The key? Set them up for success, Dr. MacDonald says. As a general rule, homes should have one litter box per cat, plus an extra. But under holiday conditions, “you may want to double it up just to increase your confidence you’re going to be OK.”
Toys are also great – like laser pointers and wands with dangly feathers that cats go wild for.
“Try to set up a time when they can do something they already associate as a good thing,” Dr. MacDonald says. “And be sure to reconnect with them during a gathering just to say, ‘Hey, I’m still here. Everything’s OK. We’re going to get through this. I know it’s different from your usual.’”
Fa La La La Pheromones
Pheromones are naturally produced by our pets’ bodies and offer a soothing effect when sensed by dogs and cats, Dr. MacDonald says. Natural products are available for purchase to help take the edge off of family gatherings for cats and dogs.
“They don’t have a smell or taste that humans can recognize, but they’re something that our pets associate with feeling calm and relaxed,” he adds.
Widely available at pet stores, Feliway for cats and DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) for their canine cousins, can be applied to beds, carriers, and other frequented spots, creating a positive association.
“It helps our pets understand, ‘Oh, that’s the thing I like. And it’s in relation to this place. So, I must be OK.’”
Sometimes, Boarding is Best
If there are substantial unknowns with upcoming holiday gatherings, boarding your dog or cat is always a safe and secure option – particularly if you have an ongoing relationship with a quality pet resort.
Many guests may be dog owners themselves, notes Dr. MacDonald, and welcome the opportunity to engage with a new four-legged friend.
“Other family members may not feel that way,” he says. “They may be nervous about going to a home where there’s a dog. Or maybe your dog is very exuberant or rambunctious, and that’s just too much for older family members that could be overwhelmed or potentially knocked over by an energetic pet.”
In those situations: “Read the room.”
“Sometimes it’s best to say, ‘You know what? Let’s make this super easy for everybody. The dogs will stay at the pet resort during this period.’ At least it’s a known environment. Particularly if they’ve been there before. I’ve personally done that with my dogs over the Christmas holiday because it’s a lot. And this way, it’s a safe outcome for them and it’s one less worry for you.”
What it comes down to is knowing your animal, knowing the people you’re working with, and making informed choices, says Dr. MacDonald.
And if in doubt? As always, talk to your vet.
“There are many different ways to manage stress, anxiety, and nervousness in our animals. Occasionally that includes pharmaceuticals. We’re also fortunate these days to have several different supplements that can be helpful. And those are all discussions that are very important to have with your veterinarian.”
