Keeping your pet calm at Christmas

• Panting or trembling: If your dog starts panting heavily or shivering, even when it’s not warm, this can be a sign of stress.

• Excessive barking or whining: More vocal than usual? Anxious dogs might bark or whine as a way of expressing their discomfort.

• Hiding or seeking comfort: Some dogs will retreat to a safe space, like under the table or in their bed, while others will cling to you for reassurance.

• Destructive behaviour: Anxious dogs may chew on furniture, shoes, or other items to relieve stress, particularly if left alone during a festive party.

• Pacing or restlessness: If your dog is unable to settle and keeps pacing, it’s often a sign of anxiety.

• Hiding away: Cats tend to withdraw when they’re feeling stressed. You might find them under the bed, in cupboards, or other secluded spots.

• Changes in appetite: Some cats stop eating when they’re anxious, while others may overeat out of stress.

• Excessive grooming: Cats might start grooming themselves obsessively to self-soothe, which can lead to bald spots or irritated skin.

• Aggression: An anxious cat might lash out by hissing, swatting, or biting, especially when approached by strangers.

• Changes in litter box habits: A normally well-trained cat might start having accidents outside the litter box when stressed.

Diffusers mimic the natural pheromones that dogs and cats produce to comfort themselves. These products are easy to use, plug into a socket, and release calming pheromones into the air. Like the Itch Chill Out for Cats, which 96% of cat owners recommend because it showed a positive change in their cat’s behaviour. 

These snug, vest-like garments are designed to apply gentle pressure to your pet’s body, similar to swaddling a baby. The sensation can be incredibly comforting for dogs and cats, making them feel more secure. Thundershirts are particularly popular for dogs that experience anxiety during storms or fireworks, and they work well during the Christmas season too.

There are various calming treats and supplements on the market that contain natural ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root, and L-theanine. These ingredients promote relaxation without making your pet drowsy. Try the Itch Calm treats for Dogs or the Itch Calm treats for Cats on a monthly subscription to keep your pet cool and calm throughout the year.

Believe it or not, some types of music can help soothe anxious pets. Classical music or specially composed "relaxing pet music" can have a calming effect on dogs and cats. There are even apps specifically designed to play calming sounds for pets!

We like this Spotify music playlist for calming dogs.

Distracting your pet with mental stimulation, toys or games to help reduce their anxiety. Puzzle feeders, chew toys, or catnip toys can keep them occupied and less focused on the overwhelming surroundings.