Stress-Free Holidays: How to Keep Your Pets Calm During Travel and Gatherings

The holiday season brings excitement, family visits, and travel plans. But for pets, this time can cause stress and anxiety. Changes in routine, unfamiliar guests, and noisy environments often overwhelm cats and dogs. Preparing your pet ahead of time helps keep them calm and comfortable, making holidays enjoyable for everyone.

The Holiday Hustle: Why Pets Feel the Stress Too

Pets thrive on routine. When schedules shift, visitors arrive, and noise levels rise, pets can become anxious or overstimulated. Dogs may bark excessively or pace, while cats might hide or show signs of irritability. Early signs of stress include:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Restlessness or pacing

• Loss of appetite

• Hiding or avoiding interaction

  
  

Recognizing these signs early allows you to take steps to ease your pet’s discomfort before it escalates.

Pre-Holiday Health Checklist

Before the holiday rush, ensure your pet’s health is up to date. This includes:

• Updating vaccines, especially if your pet will be boarding or traveling

• Stocking up on flea, tick, and heartworm preventives to avoid last-minute pharmacy trips

• Having any regular medications refilled early

  
  

Joining a wellness program like Valet Vet’s Wellness Club can simplify ongoing care. Their in-home services provide convenient check-ups and preventive care, reducing stress for both pets and owners.

Hosting Guests? Create a Calm Zone

When guests arrive, pets may feel overwhelmed by new faces and noise. Setting up a quiet, comfortable space helps them retreat when needed. Tips include:

• Choose a room or corner away from the main gathering area

• Provide familiar bedding, toys, and water

• Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers or soft music

  
  

Introduce pets to visitors slowly, especially children or other animals. Encourage gentle interactions and supervise closely to prevent stress or accidental scares.

Traveling with Pets

Travel can be stressful for pets, but careful preparation makes a difference. Remember to:

• Obtain a health certificate if required by your destination or airline

• Pack essentials such as food, water, medications, and comfort items like a favorite blanket or toy

• Consider calming aids recommended by your vet, including pre-travel exams to discuss anxiety medication if needed

  
  

Valet Vet offers in-home pre-travel exams, making it easier to prepare your pet without extra trips to the clinic.

Holiday Foods: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Holiday meals often include foods that can be harmful to pets. Avoid feeding:

• Stuffing containing onions or garlic

• Gravy with high salt or fat content

• Desserts with chocolate, xylitol, or raisins

  
  

Instead, offer vet-approved treats made specifically for pets. These keep your furry friend included in the festivities without risking their health.

After the Feast: Recovery and Routine

Once the holidays wind down, help your pet return to normal by:

• Re-establishing regular feeding, exercise, and sleep schedules

• Watching for signs of lingering stress such as changes in behavior or appetite

• Scheduling a post-holiday check-in if you notice anything unusual

  
  

Maintaining routine supports your pet’s well-being and helps them recover from any holiday-related anxiety.

Looking for Stress-Free vet experience for you and your pet? If you are in the Phoenix, AZ area, give Valet Vet a try- 623-738-2738. www.ValetVet.com