The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and social events—for humans, anyway. But for many pets, the season can be a time of increased stress and anxiety. Whether it’s the swarm of unfamiliar faces in their home or changes in their routine, pets can struggle to cope with the holidays.

If you plan to have guests coming in and out of your home this holiday season, the team at South Texas Avian and Exotic Hospital is here to help. In this blog, we’ll share our best tips to reduce holiday pet stress for your scaly, feathered, and furry friends.

Recognizing Pet Anxiety

Pets—especially exotic ones—often communicate their anxiety in subtle ways. As a pet parent, you can get to know the early signs of pet anxiety with guests and new changes. Dogs might bark or whine excessively. Cats may retreat to quiet corners. Birds might squawk or pluck their feathers. And so on.

Make sure you know which signals are most common for your pet’s species. This can help you stay in tune with your pet’s discomfort—and work to alleviate it. 

How to Calm Pets During Holidays

The key to reducing holiday pet stress is to keep your home as calm and predictable as possible. Here’s how to do this for your pet:

  • Create a safe space: Set aside a quiet, comfortable space for your pet to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. This could be a separate room or a cozy corner stocked with their favorite bed, toys, and treats. A familiar space helps pets feel secure, even if the rest of the house is teeming with guests.
  • Stick to a routine: Pets thrive on routine, so try to keep their feeding, walking, and playtimes as consistent as possible. Even during holiday events, make time to provide your pet with regular meals and exercise. This can help reduce their anxiety and show them that their pet parents are still there for them!
  • Use calming aids: If your pet tends to become anxious with guests or during loud celebrations, talk to your veterinarian about calming aids. These can include pheromone sprays, anxiety vests, or herbal supplements, and they’re designed to soothe anxious pets. 

Practice using these tips before your first big celebration. If your pet is already used to cozying up in a safe space when things are calm, it’ll be easier for her to retreat there when things are hectic. 

Pet-Friendly Holiday Tips for Entertaining

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, you can make the environment more pet-friendly with a few small adjustments. Here are some pet-friendly holiday tips to keep in mind:

  • Introduce guests gradually: If your pet is wary of strangers, introduce them to guests one at a time in a calm, controlled setting. Let your pet approach new people at their own pace, and give guests your pet’s favorite treats to offer to build positive associations.
  • Supervise interactions: Make sure any guests—especially kids—visiting your home know how to interact with your pet safely. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle your pet, and monitor any interactions. If you have an exotic pet, make sure their enclosure is somewhere curious kids can’t open it.
  • Provide distractions: Keep your pet busy with interactive toys or long-lasting chews during your holiday festivities. These can be a great way to divert their attention away from the excitement and help them feel more relaxed.

Make sure to check in with your pet regularly to make sure he’s happy, safe, and well throughout the festivities. 

Managing Pet Behavior During the Holidays

While it’s natural for pets to feel anxious in new or busy environments, there are a few pet behavior tips for holidays that can help reduce stress. These, in turn, promote positive pet behaviors—even when your house is packed with people! 

An easy strategy? Reward your pet with treats, praise, or gentle petting to reinforce good behavior. Before long, your pet will come to associate guests with good things—just like you do.

It’s also super important to give your pet plenty of patience. Make time for cuddles, treats, and play in the middle of your holiday fun. This extra attention can make a big difference in reducing pet anxiety with guests.

If your pet needs extra help feeling calm during the busy holiday season, the team at South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital can help. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for your anxious pets!

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Posted in: Pet Safety and Emergencies | Pet Training, Behavior, & Body Language | Seasonal Pet Care
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