Give your pets a happy Christmas, not a stressy one! 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or is it? 

Just like us, our pets have different personalities. So, while some take the hustle and bustle of Christmas in their stride, others are not so adaptable. It’s essential to be aware of what can trigger stress in your pets and the ways you can help manage this. 

We’re going to take a deep dive into pet anxiety, focusing on some common Christmas triggers. We’ll also give you some practical advice on how to keep anxiety and behavioural issues at bay. 

Signs of stress and anxiety in pets   

Changes to their environment and routine can be really stressful for animals. Lots of things occur around Christmas, which can be triggers for anxiety – we’ll explore these later. 

Signs that your pet may be feeling anxious or stressed can vary from individual to individual. Some will show several obvious behavioural changes, whereas others may give just one or two subtle clues. 

Their symptoms can also depend on whether it is a sudden (acute) stressor, such as loud noises or a long-term (chronic) stressor, such as boredom or illness. 

Why are some pets more prone to anxiety and stress than others? 

The way an animal copes and responds to stress is influenced by multiple factors, including – 

Genetics 

Studies show that breed plays a big part in the risk of developing anxiety-related traits. Temperament may also be inherited from parents, meaning that some animals’ personalities make them better able to deal with stress. 

Stress during pregnancy  

Some sources say that stress during pregnancy can negatively affect how well offspring cope with stressors in the future. Pregnancy-related stress can include poor nutrition, injury or unsuitable living conditions. 

Check your pets symptoms

Symptom Checker

Lack of socialisation  

Both puppies and kittens need appropriate socialisation from a young age. A positive introduction to a variety of sights, sounds and smells is crucial. Young animals are naturally curious and more open to new experiences, so socialisation must start early. Their experiences in the first few months of life will help to dictate whether they will be happy and confident adults. 

Negative associations  

If your pet has had a negative experience in the past, then they will be more likely to feel stressed by it in the future… not unreasonably! 

Why do animals get stressed, and is this an issue? 

Stress is a natural response, controlled by the release of hormones, including adrenaline and noradrenaline. This helps pets to face challenges, a necessary response which is needed to keep animals alive and safe. If animals never got stressed, then they would wander into all sorts of dangers! So, a certain amount of stress and wariness is useful for acute situations where flight or fight might be needed. 

However, it is less useful in chronic or long-term stress situations. It’s also not ideal when the situation is not actually threatening, but the animal has perceived it to be that way, e.g. visiting relatives or being put in a room with singing Christmas decorations. 

As well as behavioural problems and an impact on quality of life, we can also see stress-related diseases develop in some cases.  Chronic stress can lead to issues like gastroenteritis (‘stress-induced colitis’ can be seen in some dogs), delayed wound healing and elevated blood pressure. 

In stressed cats, feline idiopathic cystitis is common. This condition causes issues like painful urination, blood-tinged urine and urinating in unusual places around the house. Overgrooming is also common in stressed cats, which can lead to hair loss and possible skin inflammation. 

It’s therefore important that we anticipate some of the common causes of stress for our pets and look at ways of helping them to manage this. While we’re mainly focusing on cats and dogs, don’t forget that smaller pets can also suffer from stress. So be mindful of hamsters, rabbits and lizards at this time of year too, their anxiety may be even harder to spot! 

Common Christmas stressors 

Let’s look at some common Christmas stress triggers – 

Christmas decorations 

While some pets are merely curious, for others, the sight of a Christmas tree sends them into a panic. Environment and territory are really important for many animals, so sudden changes can be upsetting. Plus, noisy animated decorations and flashing lights can make many animals feel overstimulated. 

Visitors 

Hosting parties or even just inviting the extended family round for Christmas lunch can make many pets feel anxious. People outside of your immediate family may be greeted with suspicion or fear. 

Loud noises like crackers and New Year’s Eve fireworks 

Most pets hate sudden loud sounds, so noise phobias are a very common problem. This can be an issue when champagne corks are popping or Christmas crackers are being pulled. Your pet may become a quivering wreck! Loud party music, screaming children, noisy toys and lively party games can also unsettle even the calmest of pets. Not to mention the fireworks on New Year’s Eve… 

Lack of attention or changes in routine over the holidays 

A common cause of stress for many pets at this time of year is the change in routine. Pets can struggle to understand things like why they’ve missed out on a walk or why their dinner is late. You might also be nipping out at unusual times to attend the school nativity or a works Christmas party. All of this can lead to your pet feeling unsettled.   

Dressing-up 

While cute pet outfits make great Instagram posts, many animals feel uncomfortable about being dressed up. Clothing should have a purpose, for example, a waterproof dog coat for an elderly pet or a warm fleece for a hairless cat. Festive headgear or restrictive fancy dress items can make pets feel anxious or even lead to overheating in some breeds. 

Travel 

Many people travel to spend the holidays with loved ones, and pets often come along for the ride. Travel can be very stressful for animals, either because they suffer from travel sickness or because they are nervous about new situations. 

How to keep your pet happy this Christmas 

There are many things that you can do to help your pet manage their stress this Christmas. Often, a combination of the following is needed – 

Sticking to their normal routine 

Sticking to your pet’s normal routine as much as possible will help them to feel secure. Knowing that they’ll get their walks and meals at the normal time will give some consistency and structure to their day, even if there are other changes going on.   

Ensuring they get enough exercise and positive stimulation 

A tired and happy pet will be much more settled than a bored, under-exercised one. This might mean investing in some proper waterproof walking gear and thick wellie socks – dogs need walking even when we’d rather be snuggled up with a Christmas movie! Cats might venture outdoors less when the weather is poor, so make sure to keep them busy with play and interactive toys. 

Also carve out some quality time each day with your pet, such as playing, grooming or simply snuggling with them, so that they don’t feel neglected during the festivities. 

Considering calming pheromones or supplements 

There are a variety of over-the-counter products available that may help your pet to feel less anxious. Oral supplements can be helpful for some pets. These often contain natural ingredients like casein, L-tryptophan, and B vitamins, which have natural calming effects. 

Synthetic dog appeasing pheromones can also be helpful. These mimic the pheromones released by mother dogs to calm their puppies, helping them to feel safe and secure. As well as plug in diffusers for your home, you can buy impregnated collars or sprays to spritz on bedding or toys if you are travelling. Similar products also exist for cats; while for small pets, there’s some evidence that pet-safe calming sprays containing valerian may help (e.g. Pet Remedy). 

For some dogs, pressure vests or ‘Thundershirts’ can have a calming effect. They apply gentle pressure around your dog’s body, which can make them feel less anxious. 

Managing predictable situations and creating a safe space 

If you know that you will be hosting a party or other festive event, think about your pet beforehand. They may be more comfortable staying with a friend or pet sitter, or they may prefer a quiet, undisturbed area of the house. Many cats and dogs dislike too much fuss and handling, so guests should be informed about this. Young children can get particularly over excited at this time of year, which could lead to accident or injury. You should also avoid dressing your pet up and making them the centre of attention, as well as making sure they are out of earshot of Christmas crackers. 

Socialisation and desensitisation training 

Behavioural training is one of the best things you can do to help your pet become comfortable with certain things or situations. Early socialisation in puppies and kittens is an important part of this, but desensitisation training can be carried out in older animals too. This can take time and patience to achieve, in some cases. It usually involves a very gradual introduction to something, with plenty of praise and rewards, so that your pet builds a positive association with it. 

Considering health and safety 

Remember to keep your pet safe during the holidays. This includes restricting access to the Christmas tree and decorations, supervising lit candles and making sure electrical cables are tidy. Even anxious pets can get into mischief if their curiosity gets the better of them! 

Although it’s a natural reaction to want to comfort and make your stressed pet feel better, take care not to overdo the snacks. Too many table scraps or treats could lead to tummy troubles or even a nasty bout of pancreatitis. Plus, certain foods are toxic to pets, including raisins (no mince pies or Christmas cake!), onions, garlic and chocolate. No one wants a trip to the vets over Christmas! 

Speaking to your vet or a qualified pet behaviourist 

If your dog gets very stressed, then your vet might suggest prescription medication. These drugs can be very effective at reducing severe anxiety, which might be helpful for things like fireworks on New Year’s Eve or for travel. 

A pet behaviourist may also be helpful in the long term, especially if your pet suffers from specific issues like noise phobias or overreacting to visitors. 

Summary 

Christmas can be a stressful time of year for people and pets alike. It’s therefore important to look out for any clues that could indicate your pet is uncomfortable, as well as taking practical steps to reduce the risk of problems in the first place. Hopefully, this article has helped highlight a few potential triggers, as well as given you some practical solutions to consider. 

We hope you and your pets have a very merry and stress-free Christmas!