How to look after your dogs and cats during the Christmas holidays

Christmas is a time full of magic, celebrations and family gatherings, but it can also be a period of stress and challenges for our pets. Changes in routine, travelling, firecrackers and fireworks can affect the wellbeing of dogs and cats. In today’s post, we share the best tips to look after them. Keep reading!

1. Keep a stable routine

Animals feel safe when they have predictable routines. Although Christmas often brings changes to schedules and activities, try to keep their usual feeding, walking and rest times. This will give them stability and reduce their anxiety.

2. Tips for travelling with your pet

If you plan to travel with your dog or cat during the holidays, it is important to prepare so that the journey is as comfortable and safe as possible:

• Have a check-up first: consult your vet to make sure your pet is fit to travel.
• Use a suitable carrier: for cats and small dogs, a comfortable and well-ventilated carrier will help them feel secure. Make sure it has enough space and place a blanket inside with their scent on it.
• Take regular breaks: if you are travelling by car, stop every two or three hours so they can stretch, drink water and relieve themselves.
• Prepare a travel kit: take food, water, their bowl, waste bags, a blanket and a familiar toy.
• Reduce stress: products such as Acalma Spray para perros and Acalma Spray para gatos can help your pet relax during the journey. Spray the inside of the carrier or the car to create a calm environment.

3. Managing stress caused by noises such as firecrackers and fireworks

One of the biggest challenges during the Christmas holidays is loud noises from firecrackers and fireworks. These sounds can cause panic in dogs and cats, but there are strategies to minimise their impact:

• Create a safe refuge: set up a quiet space at home where your pet can retreat. Place their bed, toys and an item of clothing with your scent on it to help them feel safe.
• Stay calm: if your pet shows fear, avoid telling them off or trying to overprotect them. Speak in a calm tone and act normally to reassure them.

• Calming products:
  • Stangest Zen comprimidos: Ideal for dogs and cats, these Zen tablets help reduce anxiety and keep them calm during stressful situations. Start giving them a few days before the expected date of the loud noises.
  • Multiva Calming Cat: Specially designed for cats, this Multiva Calming supplement helps manage stress caused by loud noises. Its chew format makes it easy to give.
  • Botanicapets Stress Off Spray: A Botanicapets natural anti-stress spray that can be applied in the environment or on your pet’s bed to promote relaxation.

4. Keep Christmas hazards out of their reach

During the holidays, there are decorations and foods that can pose a danger to pets:

• Decorations: make sure your pet cannot access electrical cables, lights and small ornaments they could swallow.
• Toxic plants: take care with plants such as mistletoe, poinsettia and holly, which can be toxic if ingested.
• Forbidden foods: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and alcohol are very dangerous for dogs and cats. Make sure they cannot get hold of these foods.

5. Stimulate and entertain your pet

Stress can increase if your pet feels neglected during the holidays. Make time to play with them and give them exercise. For dogs, a long walk before celebrations can help them relax. Cats will appreciate interactive toys or new scratching posts to keep their minds occupied.

Christmas can be a stressful period for dogs and cats, but by giving them your time and using some of the treatments we have recommended to help calm them, you can ensure their wellbeing.

Remember that they depend on you to feel safe, so pay attention to their needs and provide them with a calm and loving environment.