Holidays can be a stressful time for you, but did you know they can also cause stress for your pet? The changes in their routines and environment -- like meeting new people or staying at a pet boarding facility-- can result in anxiety, leading to accidents in the house and acting out. While your veterinarian can prescribe medication if needed, below are some ways to keep your pet calm during the holidays.

How To Prevent Holiday Anxiety in Your Pet

1. Keep Them in a Quiet Area

If you’ve got people coming over for a big meal, your pet could be worried by the strangers and noise. Keep them away from this stressor by putting them in a room away from the group with their bed, water, food, a litterbox if you have cats, and a toy to keep them distracted, like a ball full of biscuits or a mouse full of catnip. They’ll be distracted and calm but check on them regularly.

2. Get Their Energy Out

Excess energy will keep your pet on edge, which can make them more prone to anxiety. If you’ll be gone for a while or there are people coming over, play with your pet to burn off their energy first.

For dogs, going for a long walk or playing at the dog park are good options. For cats, have them chase a laser pointer or eat some catnip and play with their toys. They’ll be tired and calmer afterward.

3. Stick to Their Routine

Where possible, the easiest way to manage their stress is to avoid causing it. Changes to their routine are a major source of anxiety, especially for cats, so keep to your normal schedule whenever you can.

Maintain feeding times, play times, times that you’re home, and times that they sleep. While this won’t always be possible, the less disturbance in their lives, the smoother the holidays will go for them.

4. Use Calming Supplements & Vests

If your house is your family’s hub for all holiday activities, look into items that calm your pet. Anxiety vests are available, which fit like a harness on pets but are snug and comforting.

There are also relaxing supplements and treats that you can give your animals, such as CBD treats, but always check with their veterinarian first to make sure they’re safe and reliable.

If you need advice from a veterinarian, the team at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital in Columbia, MO, will help. With two locations, they’re convenient and experienced, with almost 50 years in business. Their vet clinic offers safe pet boarding and daycare services if your home is too chaotic for pets during the holidays, and they can recommend treats or medication to keep your pets calm. Learn more about their care online, and call (573) 449-3791 for the Keene Street office or (573) 449-7387 for the Buttonwood Drive one.