5 Tips to Prepare Your Pets for the Holidays

Updated November 9, 2022

It’s that time of the year when schedules are thrown out the window, events fill the calendar, and friends and family gather at your home. The holidays are stressful for you, but they are stressful for your pet too. They are used to a certain schedule and certain people and while it may not seem like a drastic change to you, your pet could be feeling very anxious during the holidays. Here are 4 tips to ease their holiday-stress.

1. Get out all their energy
If you have a holiday event and you know you’ll be gone longer than usual, take your pup for a slightly longer walk or get out the toys and have some fun with your cats! A tired pet is a less-stressed pet.

2. Plan ahead with travel
If your holiday festivities include traveling with your pet, make sure the car ride is comfortable for them. Driving in the car may give your pet some anxiety, so bring their favorite toys, treats, and other essentials when packing up for a holiday road trip.

3. Create a comfy, safe space
If you are the host for your holiday parties this year, don’t forget to keep your pets as happy as your guests. Creating a space in a room further away from the loud noises could help them feel more comfortable. You can also turn on a TV or playlist to help drown out the party noise. Don’t forget to include their favorite toys and dog or cat beds!

4. Look into a pet sitter
A professional pet sitter can keep an eye on your dog or cat while you travel during the holidays and help him feel less anxious while you are gone. Do research and make sure your sitter is a qualified pet care provider. Download our pet sitter cheat sheet in prep!

5. Try supplements for stress
Plan ahead and give your pet a calming supplement like Composure™ to help alleviate stress and support calm behavior. Give  Composure™ chew(s) 30 minutes before leaving the house, traveling, or hosting a party to encourage relaxed behavior without side effects. Composure™ is available in three delicious flavors for your dog or cat.

*CanCog Technologies Study “Assessment of Anxiolytic Properties of a Novel Compound in Beagle Dogs with a Noise-Induced Model of Fear and Anxiety”