There is no doubt about it: Christmas can be frantic, stressful and a little like a race to see how much you can accomplish before the big day arrives.
While Christmas can be stressful for you, your pets may also have a lot to cope with over the holiday period.
There may be fireworks, thunderstorms, balloons popping, Christmas crackers, party poppers and excited children yelling, squealing and screaming.
Add unfamiliar or intoxicated visitors to the mix, and even a normally calm animal may become overwhelmed.
Many households also welcome additional guests during the festive season. Your pet may need to cope with unfamiliar adults, babies and children entering their home.
Babies may cry, while tired or excited children may become loud and unpredictable.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to approach a dog—or, more importantly, allow the dog to decide whether they want to approach.
Some people rush towards a dog and immediately pat them on the head. They may also miss the animal’s signals asking not to be touched or requesting more space.
Don’t allow the situation to reach the point where your dog snaps or bites because they feel they have no other way to defend themselves.
Prevention is a much better option.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
GIVE YOUR PET SPACE AND A PLACE TO RETREAT
Respect your dog or cat’s need for peace, quiet and space during the excitement of Christmas.
Don’t simply expect your pet to cope. Some animals will remain in a stressful environment even when they are becoming uncomfortable.
If you notice your pet showing signs of stress, intervene immediately and move them into a calm, safe space.
Before your guests arrive, establish a retreat area away from the activity and help your pet develop a positive association with it.
You want your pet to think, “Going to my retreat means good things happen.”
Depending on your pet and what is safe for them, you could provide suitable treats, toys, a stuffed Kong, a chew or a puzzle feeder.
If you allow your pet to interact with guests, make sure they can leave and return to their retreat whenever they choose.
Explain clearly that guests must not enter or disturb your pet’s safe space. This rule applies to everyone, including children.
Appropriate physical exercise and mental enrichment before guests arrive may also help your dog settle more comfortably.
SET CLEAR HOUSE RULES FOR VISITORS
Before guests arrive, explain that your pet may become stressed by the extra people and activity.
Tell your visitors exactly how you would like them to interact with your pet—or whether you want them to avoid interacting altogether.
Remind them again when they arrive, and explain the rules clearly to visiting children.
Never allow guests, including adults and children, to grab, restrain or hug your dog.
Don’t allow children to chase your dog or cat. Many animals find hugging and restraint uncomfortable or frightening.
Children should only interact with pets under the close supervision of a capable adult.
If appropriate supervision is not possible, move your pet to their safe space or have the children play in a separate area.
If your pet has never encountered babies or children, you may be able to introduce recordings of relevant sounds gradually and at a low volume before Christmas.
Always observe your pet carefully and stop if they show signs of distress.
KEEP ROUTINES CONSISTENT
The more closely you maintain your pet’s regular routine, the more predictable the holiday period will feel.
Routines help animals understand what to expect and may provide a sense of consistency and control.
Try to maintain normal feeding, exercise, play and rest times.
Even on Christmas Day, getting away from the celebrations for a quiet walk with your dog can be wonderful—for both of you.
LEARN ABOUT DOG AND CAT BODY LANGUAGE
Before Christmas, spend some time learning how to recognise your pet’s body language.
It is important that you and your guests can identify signs of discomfort, respect them and respond appropriately.
Some signals can be very subtle, such as a slight movement of the eyes, a head turn, lip licking, changes in posture or an attempt to move away.
Watch your animal—not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.
They can teach you a great deal about how they communicate.
Useful body-language resources include work by:
Lili Chin
Sophia Yin: https://cattledogpublishing.com/poster-download/
CONSIDER PHEROMONE PRODUCTS
Products such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats contain synthetic pheromones designed to help some animals feel more secure.
These products won’t remove the cause of your pet’s stress, and responses can vary between animals.
If you choose to use one, follow the product instructions and consider introducing it before the holiday activity begins. Speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure whether it is appropriate for your pet.
PLAY SOFT, CALM MUSIC
Soft music may help create a calmer environment for some pets.
Choose something gentle with a steady rhythm, such as quiet classical music or slow jazz.
Perhaps save Metallica for another occasion!
Dogs and cats have sensitive hearing, so keep the volume low and make sure your pet can move away from the sound if they choose.
REMAIN AS CALM AND PREPARED AS POSSIBLE
Consider how your Christmas preparations may affect your pet.
Instead of leaving all the cleaning and cooking until the final day, spread the work across several days where possible.
A full day of frantic movement, unfamiliar objects and loud activity may increase your pet’s stress.
Preparing early can help create a calmer environment for everyone.
Animals may notice changes in our body language, movement and emotions. Slowing down and remaining as relaxed as possible may help your pet feel more secure.
Most importantly, don’t place your dog in a situation where stress and anxiety continue building until they feel they have no option except to snap or bite.
Planning ahead, recognising your pet’s signals and giving them somewhere safe to retreat can help create a calmer Christmas for the entire household.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
From everyone at Dogaholics, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful Christmas.
We hope the New Year brings many more moments of fun and joy with your cherished pets.
If you need help during Christmas—or at any other time—with your canine companion, please reach out through our Contact Us page.
Dogaholics Dog Training and Behaviour Services
Dogaholics is a dog training and behaviour service located in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area of NSW.
