How to Keep Your Cat or Dog Calm This Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be stressful for our furry friends. Whether you have a house full of guests or are travelling to celebrate with family and friends, your cat or dog may feel anxious, nervous or overwhelmed by the changes in their environment and routine. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet calm and happy this festive season.

Create a Safe Space for Your Pet 

One of the best ways to help your pet cope with the noise, excitement and unfamiliar faces is to provide them with a safe and comfortable space where they can retreat and relax. This could be a crate, a bed, a blanket or a favourite toy. Make sure the space is in a quiet and familiar area of the house, away from the main activity. You can also use calming products such as Pet Remedy Calming Spray or the Beaphar Calming Pet Collar to create a soothing atmosphere for your pet. These products contain natural ingredients or pheromones that help reduce stress and anxiety in pets.

Stick to Your Pet's Routine as Much as Possible

Another way to keep your pet calm is to maintain their normal routine as much as you can. Try to feed them, walk them, play with them and cuddle them at the same times as usual. This will help them feel more secure and less confused by the changes in their environment. If you are travelling with your pet, bring some familiar items such as their food, water bowl, bed, toys and treats. This will help them adjust to the new place and feel more at home.

Play Classical Music for Your Pet 

Did you know that classical music can have a calming effect on your pet? Studies have shown that playing classical music can reduce stress, anxiety and agitation in dogs and cats. Classical music can also lower their heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels. So why not play some soothing tunes for your pet this Christmas? There are plenty of songs to choose from and your pet will appreciate the peaceful and relaxing ambiance.

Avoid Feeding Your Pet Human Food 

We all love to indulge in some delicious food during Christmas, but it's not a good idea to share it with your pet. Human food can be harmful or even toxic for your pet, especially if it contains chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol or xylitol. These foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, kidney failure or even death in pets. So stick to your pet's regular diet and avoid giving them any scraps from the table. If you want to treat your pet, give them some healthy and pet-friendly snacks such as one of our Yak chews or some of our natural treats..

Monitor Your Pet's Behaviour and Body Language 

Finally, keep an eye on your pet's behaviour and body language during Christmas. If you notice any signs of stress or anxiety such as panting, drooling, shaking, hiding, pacing, barking or scratching, try to comfort them and remove them from the source of stress. You can also consult your vet if you think your pet needs more help to cope with the situation. Remember that your pet is part of your family and deserves your love and attention during this special time of the year.

We hope these tips will help you keep your cat or dog calm this Christmas. We wish you and your furry friends a merry and peaceful Christmas! 

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