Pets are creatures of routine. They like to know what time dinner is, who’s going to be in their house, and where to find their safe place. All of those predictable elements help our pets feel secure and in control.
Holiday season can be unsettling for our cats and dogs because it disrupts that sense of routine. Days become unpredictable with an influx of people – some of them unfamiliar – different smells and more noise than normal.
Cats might feel the urge to hide, while dogs can feel pressure to tolerate attention from guests. If you’re away from your home, that also means your pet’s away from their familiar place, which can make them feel more anxious.
And we haven’t even spoken about food yet…. Whether it’s a guest dropping something, or a well-meaning relative offering a ‘just this once’ treat, your pets might be encountering food they aren’t used to, or shouldn’t have.
What should I watch out for?
There’s behavioral signals, such as more hiding or restlessness, more vocalization, accidents in the house, more licking, destructive behavior, or even a sense that your pet is withdrawn or irritable. They might be less interested in food, or have an upset stomach. And they could be grooming or sleeping more.
Often, you might notice them doing things that seem out of character. Your normally independent pet might suddenly become very clingy, following you and seeking reassurance. They might even fixate on food, doorways or specific people, or show repetitive actions such as spinning or pacing.
This isn’t being disobedient; they’re trying to soothe themselves in an environment that feels unfamiliar or uncertain.
Making festive time easier for your pet
- Introduce a calming supplement two weeks before
Whether you’re hosting a busy holiday season or you’re taking your dog to someone else’s, it can help to add in a supplement like WellJoy’s Calming+ for cats and for dogs. This gently influences neurotransmitters, stress hormones and the gut-brain axis without sedating your pet. It does need a little time to start working fully, so we recommend beginning it one or two weeks beforehand. If you’d like advice on introducing supplements, we’ve written guides for Cat Loyalists and Dog Loyalists.
- Wherever possible, stick to your normal routine
If you can, do walks (for the dogs) and dinner at your usual times. Ensure pets have access to their quiet space, and wherever possible try not to move rooms around too much. A festive tree and blinking lights might block familiar pathways and change how your pet navigates their home – and cats in particular rely on spatial familiarity. If possible, keep at least one room unchanged so your pet has a sense of normalcy.
- Let your pet choose when to socialize
When it comes to greeting people, make sure your pet is in charge. Ideally they can observe from a distance and approach on their own terms – or opt out entirely. This might mean telling visitors that your pet doesn’t need to say hello to be ‘well-behaved’. Lastly, make sure any guests understand that your pet’s quiet space is exactly that – a place they can go to without being followed, petted or called.
- Be firm about food
Be strict with your guests about what your pet is and isn’t allowed to have, and that includes any extra table scraps that might be harmful. Chocolate is an obvious no-no, but there’s some other no-go food that might surprise you:
Fatty foods: turkey skin, ham, gravy, buttery sides.
- A leading trigger for pancreatitis, especially in dogs.
Cooked bones
- Can splinter easily and cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries.
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives (fresh, cooked, powdered)
- Watch out for stuffing, sauces, and seasoning blends.
Grapes, raisins
- Can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and even small amounts can be dangerous.
Xylitol
- Often found in sugar-free desserts, gum, baked goods, and some peanut butters.
Dairy-heavy desserts
- Most adult pets are lactose intolerant, making cream, milk, and cheese common causes of diarrhea and discomfort.
- Think about scent
Smell is a major way that our pets understand the world around them and, let’s be honest, the holiday season is a fragrant time. There’s cooking aromas as well as candles, cleaning products and essential oils. Certain scents can be irritating or unsafe, while others just pile on sensory overload. Keep your festive scents to a minimum, and localized, to reduce the strain.
All of the above might feel like a lot, but it’s more about careful shifts than wholesale behavior change.
Being firm with your relative that can’t resist sneaking a treat under the table, or explaining to young members of the family that pets need space and quiet, is just what a good Pet Loyalist does. So remember: introduce a calming supplement, stick to a routine and advocate for your pet, and you can make the holidays feel calmer and more bearable for everyone.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.