The holiday season is filled with celebrations that bring families and friends together. Between the good company, yummy food, and fun activities, it’s an exciting time for us! But, while this may be called the greatest time of year, it can be extremely overwhelming for our furry family members. This guide will help you understand why dogs can experience anxiety during the holiday season, help you identify signs of stress, and discover natural ways to keep them calm and happy.
Dog Anxiety During Holiday Gatherings: Common Causes
Dogs thrive on consistency. Despite your best efforts, the holiday season is filled with hustle and bustle that brings many changes to your dog’s daily routine and environment. This can be unsettling to many dogs. Here are some common triggers:
- Changes in Routine: Changes in your dog’s normal meal times, walks, play sessions, or sleep schedule can create confusion and stress.
- Unfamiliar Guests: New faces, voices, and scents may overwhelm your dog, especially if they are not used to socializing with strangers.
- Too Much Attention from Young Guests: Will you have little ones at your holiday gathering? Young children may not understand boundaries and could overwhelm dogs with too much affection or rough handling. This can be particularly stressful if your dog isn’t used to being around kids.
- Noise and Chaos: Parties, holiday music, and laughter can be overstimulating, particularly for dogs sensitive to loud sounds.
- Decorations: Flashing lights and animated decor can be confusing or even frightening for dogs.
How to Spot Anxiety in Dogs During the Holidays
While dogs can’t simply tell us when they’re feeling overwhelmed, there will be signs. Dogs are great communicators; you just need to take a little time to understand their body language. Since recognizing signs of anxiety in your dog is the first step in addressing their discomfort, keep an eye out for these behaviors:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Increased barking or whining
- Pacing or an inability to settle
- Hiding/seeking comfort in unusual places
- Destructive behavior
- Attempts to escape
- Tucked tail
- Flattened ears
- Changes in appetite or bathroom habits
How to Naturally Keep Dogs Calm and Happy During Holiday Gatherings
Thankfully, there are several natural ways to help your dog feel more at ease during the holiday season.
Before Your Gathering
- Stick to Your Dog’s Regular Routine (as much as possible) – Consistent meal times, walks, play sessions, and naps provide a sense of stability amid the holiday chaos.
- Create a Safe Space – Set up a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a separate room with their bed, favorite toys, and some soothing music or white noise.
- Prep Lick Mats – Licking is a naturally soothing activity for dogs, helping to release calming hormones and reduce stress. A day or two before your holiday gathering, make and freeze a lick mat for your dog … that way it’s ready once guests arrive! Spread a thin layer of dog-safe foods (like natural peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, mashed banana, or pumpkin puree) on the mat and freeze.
The Morning of Your Gathering
- Exercise – Have you ever heard the quote: “A tired dog is a good dog”? Well, it’s true! When your pooch is pooped, he’s calmer and less likely to stir up trouble. So, before your company arrives, invite Fido to get moving. Go for a walk/jog, play a game of fetch, or just run up and down the stairs a few times! Do anything your dog enjoys that will ultimately tire him out. Along with physical activity, squeeze in some mental-enrichment activities. For example, puzzle toys! Then, after he’s done greeting your holiday guests, he may just disappear into his happy spot and take a snooze.
During Gatherings
- Use Calming Products – Consider natural aids like anxiety wraps (AKA the ThunderShirt), pheromone diffusers, or calming supplements such as CBD oil designed for dogs.
- Doorbell Distraction: If your dog doesn’t have great doorbell manners, have someone keep him occupied in another room while your guests arrive. Allow Fido to greet everyone after all the hellos and hugs are over and the humans are settled. Not only will this help ease some anxiety for your dog, but it may also discourage barking and jumping as well.
- Monitor Closely – Pay attention to your dog’s body language and behavior. If they appear distressed, remove them from the situation and offer comfort in their safe space.
- Designate Someone to Help You Keep a Watchful Eye – If you’re hosting a holiday party and think you’ll be too distracted to keep a watchful eye on your dog then enlist the help of your spouse, a family member, or close friend.
- Let Guests Know if Your Dog Needs Some Space – Let guests know to approach calmly … or not at all. Avoid forcing interactions that could cause additional stress.
- Give Your Dog Something Else to Focus On – Remember that lick mat I mentioned in the “Before Your Gathering” section? Well, now it’s time to bust that out! When it seems like your dog needs a break from the commotion, provide a calming enrichment activity. This includes licking something yummy on a lick mat or foraging for tasty treats in a snuffle mat! Or perhaps your pup really enjoys gnawing on a bully stick.
- Positive Reinforcement – Reward calm behavior with treats, praise, and/or petting. This helps your dog associate holiday gatherings with a positive experience.
