🎄 Preparing Pets for the Holidays: Vet-Approved Stress-Free Tips for 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

As festive lights twinkle and holiday plans unfold, it's easy to forget that all the fun and fuss can be overwhelming—or even dangerous—for our furry friends. Whether it’s the chaos of parties, changes in routines, or travel stress, pets thrive with predictability and peace. Let’s make this 2025 holiday season joyful for everyone in your home—pets included! 🐶🐱🎁

🗓️ How to Plan Ahead for Pet Wellness

• 🏡 Create a calm, quiet space for your pet during loud gatherings or fireworks
• 🎧 Add enrichment like calming music, white noise, chew toys, or puzzles
• 🆔 Ensure your pet wears updated ID tags and is microchipped
• 🧳 Book boarding or pet sitters in advance if you’re traveling
• 🐾 For traveling pets, bring familiar bedding, toys, and enough food and meds
• 💊 Ask your vet about calming supplements or medications if needed

🎄 Pet-Safe Holiday Decorations

Decking the halls can pose risks to your curious pets. Here’s what to watch for:

• ⚠️ Avoid toxic plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias
• 🔌 Cover exposed wires—electrocution is a real risk
• 🧪 Snow globe liquid may contain ethylene glycol (toxic if ingested)
• 🎀 Keep ribbon and tinsel away from cats—intestinal blockages are common!
• 🍫 Store chocolate, raisins, and xylitol-sweetened treats well out of reach
• 🎯 Avoid breakable ornaments in low areas where dogs or cats may bump them

🎉 Parties, Guests & Noise: Reduce Holiday Stress

🚪 Set Up a “Safe Haven” Room

• Include food puzzles, a water bowl, and soft bedding
• Use calming pheromones or white noise to block out party sounds
• Encourage your pet to use this space before holiday events begin

💬 Social Tips for Guests & Kids

• Remind guests not to feed pets from the table
• Keep trash bins covered and inaccessible
• Discourage guests from forcing interactions with shy pets

🚫 Firework Safety

• 🎆 Never bring your pet to firework displays
• Keep them indoors with windows closed and music on
• Ask your vet about noise-phobia medications if your pet is especially fearful

🎁 Safe & Fun Ways to Include Pets in Celebrations

• 📸 Include your pet in holiday photos, but skip the costumes unless they’re comfortable
• 🎁 Hide treats or toys around the home for a holiday-themed scavenger hunt
• 🧸 Buy a cozy new bed, festive collar, or enrichment toy as a holiday gift
• 🍿 Watch a holiday movie with your pet for snuggle time
• 🚶‍♂️ Invite them on a festive walk with family or guests to burn off energy

🧠 Watch for Subtle Signs of Stress

• 😿 Hiding, shaking, panting, or whining during events
• 🚽 Accidents in the house or changes in litterbox use
• 🍴 Not eating, despite normally being food-motivated

If these signs show up, give your pet a break from the excitement and revisit your holiday plan. 🧘‍♀️

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

The holidays are meant to be merry, but not at the expense of our pets’ health or happiness. With a little preparation, lots of compassion, and a quiet corner just for them, your pets can safely join the fun this season. 💚

Need help creating a personalized plan for your pet this holiday? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance from the comfort of your home. 🎄🐾