5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe & Stress-Free This Holiday Season

The holidays are a beautiful time of togetherness, gift-giving and seasonal fun. And of course, this includes our sweet fur babies! Kitty cuddles by the fireplace, puppies tromping in the snow and pet-parent quality time are some of the most joyful moments the season gives us.

However, the holidays can also bring loud noises, new “hooman” guests and disruptions to our fur baby’s usual routines. Depending on your four-legged companion, these disruptions can cause stress and even pose health risks!

So how do we keep our fur babies safe and stress-free during the holidays? Here are 5 tips to keep your furry friend happy and healthy throughout the season.

1. Get Plenty Of Exercise And Mental Stimulation

A tired fur baby is a happy and well-behaved one! Amongst the holiday bustle, it’s easy to overlook playing with our fur baby, but doing so can be damaging to them and their spirits.

Prioritize physical and mental stimulation like daily walks, games, puzzle toys, and more. This will help your fur baby release their extra energy, keeping them calm and relaxed throughout the festivities. It will also maintain their physical health, so they’re in good shape for the new year.

2. Bake Pet-Friendly Treats And Avoid The 'Hooman' Food

Food is such a massive part of the fun of holidays. Your fur baby can and should be a part of the food traditions! We love to bake homemade treats for our fur babies using one of these pet-friendly baking mixes . Not only will they adore the taste, they’ll be excited for the extra bonding time.

Additionally, be sure to keep your four-legged family members away from “hooman” treats. Holiday favorites like chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins are toxic to our fur babies. In general, it’s best to avoid table scraps and foods that aren’t specifically made for pets.

3. Create A Sanctuary Just For Them

The holidays often bring guests to our home — sometimes ones that are brand new to our fur babies. We recommend creating a safe space that’s just for pets! Compile their favorite blankets, beds and toys in an area away from “hoomans.”

This gives your fur baby the option to retreat to a cozy, comfortable place in the case of over-socialization or stress. With a sanctuary in a separate area of the home, they’ll be able to enjoy the holidays and show off their best side.

4. Try Out Stress-Relieving Supplements

If your fur baby hasn’t already tried out CBD or hemp-based supplements, the holidays are the purrfect time — especially if your pet is prone to stress. Ingredients like hemp, CBD and chamomile will help your fur baby relax and boost their overall health.

Here are a few of our favorite stress-relieving supplements:

5. Give A Little Holiday 'Spaw' & Massage

If you want to keep your fur baby calm while also gifting them a little extra love, a home “spaw” massage is just what you’re looking for. A pet parent’s touch can soothe all of a fur baby’s worries.

Use a gentle touch to stroke your fur baby’s ears, face and along each side of their spine. Be careful to avoid the bone! Then, take a soothing shea butter paw balm and massage their nose and paws gently. They’ll be super grateful for the extra love and in an absolutely blissful state!

The holidays are all about celebrating togetherness with our loved ones (which, of course, includes our four-legged family members). Use these tips to keep your furry friend healthy, safe and happy throughout the season. We hope you have a relaxed holiday, full of love and quality time with your beloved companion!