How to Keep Your Pet Calm During the Holidays
The holidays are almost here—turkey in the oven, football on the TV, and a house full of relatives who all want to love on your furry little ones. If that thought makes your dog shake or your cat vanish faster than the last slice of pie, don’t worry. These simple, proven tricks work for both dogs and cats every single time.
Burn the Zoomies Before the Doorbell Rings
Nothing calms a pet faster than a good dose of exercise—it’s like hitting their natural reset button. A tired furry body means a quieter mind, fewer stress hormones, lower reactivity to the doorbell, and way less barking, hiding, or zoomies when your guests arrive.
A nice long walk full of sniffs around the neighborhood for pups, or a wild 10 minute feather-wand chase for cats. A happily worn-out pet has zero energy left to worry about the doorbell!
Build the Ultimate Safe Zone
Turn the quietest room into a luxury hideout. Give your dog a covered crate or cozy bed with a blanket draped over it for that safe den feeling, and set your cat up on the highest perch with a cardboard box on a dresser (they’ll think they’ve checked into a five-star hotel). Add one of your unwashed t-shirts, fresh water, and plug in an Adaptil diffuser for dogs or Feliway for cats a couple of days early. A little white noise—a box fan, TV on low, or a calming playlist—feels like a hug to their ears.
The One Golden Rule for Guests
When everyone walks in, just say once: “Please pretend my pets are invisible celebrities today—no eye contact, no baby talk, no reaching for them.” It’s the fastest way to keep excitement and anxiety levels low for both dogs and cats.
Distraction Treats That Buy You Peace
Keep a frozen Kong stuffed with plain pumpkin or peanut butter ready for dogs, and a Churu tube or puzzle feeder for cats. 30 minutes of happy licking equals 30 minutes you can actually enjoy your mashed potatoes.
Calming Aids for the Extra Nervous Ones
If your pet needs a little extra help, try short-term calming options like over-the-counter treats and for the really worried ones, prescriptions such as Trazodone or Gabapentin can be total game-changers. Always talk to your vet and do a test run a few days ahead so you know exactly how your pet reacts—no one wants surprises on turkey day!
The Goodbye Routine
When coats come out and goodbyes start, leash your dog and step outside for a quick 5 minute walk with the last guest. Your cat? Already sound asleep in the linen closet—mission accomplished!
You’ve got everything you need to keep the whole family calm and happy this season. Happy and peaceful holidays from the Chasing Tails Pet Sitting pack!
P.S. Tell us in the comments—is your pet the “official greeter” or the “see you in January” type?
