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The holidays are meant to feel joyful — but if this is your first festive season with a puppy or kitten, you already know things can get… chaotic. More people in your home, more noise, new smells, new routines, and a whole lot of overstimulation.
While your guests are settling in with a glass of bubbles, your pet might be having a very different experience:
Who are these people? Why is the house loud? Why is that toddler walking toward my bowl? Why did someone leave the ham on the edge of the bench?!
Here’s how to keep the holidays happy, safe and stress-free for everyone — especially your fur-kid.
1. Create a “Safe Zone” Before Guests Arrive
Even the friendliest pets need an escape plan. Set up a quiet room or corner before the rush begins.
Try including:
Their bed or crate
Familiar toys
A water bowl
Calming music or a white-noise machine
A baby gate (so they can see without being smothered)
This gives your pet control — something they lose quickly once guests walk through the door.
2. Manage the Human Behaviour (Kindly, but Clearly)
Most guests don’t mean harm. They just don’t know your pet’s boundaries.
Create simple house rules and communicate them upfront:
For dogs:
No grabbing or hugging
No feeding human food
Ask before patting
Let the dog come to you
For cats:
Don’t chase
Avoid picking up
Let them hide if they want
Keep doors and windows closed
A friendly, “She’s still settling in — would you mind letting her sniff you first?” goes a long way.
3. Watch for Stress Signals (They’re Easy to Miss)
During the holidays, it’s common for pets to become overwhelmed. Learn what “I’m not okay” looks like.
For dogs: lip licking, yawning, whale eye, pacing, hiding, sudden clinginess.
For cats: tail flicking, crouched posture, dilated pupils, hiding, growling.
If you notice these signs, guide your pet to their safe zone and give them a break. This prevents meltdowns and keeps interactions positive.
4. Protect the Christmas Table (and Your Vet Bills)
The holidays are a minefield of toxic foods and tempting smells.
High-risk holiday foods include:
Chocolate
Cooked bones
Onion and garlic
Rising dough
Macadamia nuts
Alcohol
Ham trimmings and fatty meats
And very common this time of year: skewers, string from roasts, wrapping ribbons, and Christmas lilies (toxic for cats).
If you’ve ever watched a puppy grab something and sprint away like it’s the Olympics… you understand the risk.
A quick reminder to guests — “Please don’t leave plates on the floor or food on the edge of the table” — can prevent a $3,000–$7,000 emergency surgery.
5. Keep Doors and Gates Guest-Proof
With guests constantly coming and going, the risk of a pet slipping out skyrockets.
To minimise escapes:
Put a sign on the door (“Pet inside — please close quickly”)
Use a baby gate at the entryway
Microchip and ensure ID tags are up to date
Keep pets in their safe zone during arrivals
Holiday reunions are wonderful. Holiday missing-pet posters… not so much.
6. Maintain Your Pet’s Routine (As Much as Humanly Possible)
Your pet’s world is built around predictability. Try to keep consistent:
Mealtimes
Walks
Toilet breaks
Play sessions
Bedtime routine
Even a 5-minute slow-sniff walk can reset a frazzled dog.
7. Plan Ahead for Emergencies — Just in Case
The unfortunate reality? Holiday vet bills can strike out of nowhere.
Festive season clinics often charge higher fees, and emergency visits can cost hundreds to thousands — particularly for:
Foreign object ingestion
Heat stress
GI upset from fatty holiday foods
Anxiety-related injuries
This is where having pet insurance brings peace of mind. If you haven’t explored options yet, you can get a quick, obligation-free quote here:
👉 https://www.petsonme.com.au/pet-insurance
PetsOnMe offers:
Up to 80% back on eligible vet bills
No sub-limits on consultation fees
Dental illness cover on the Deluxe Plan
Multi-pet discounts
1–2 months free for new pets, depending on age
Flexible payments (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or annual)
Being prepared doesn’t make you paranoid — it makes you a responsible pet parent.
8. Give Yourself Permission to Take Breaks, Too
Your pet feeds off your energy. If you’re overwhelmed, they’ll feel it.
Take moments to step outside, breathe, or cuddle your pet in a quiet space. You’re allowed to recharge.
A Happier, Calmer Holiday Starts With a Plan
With a little preparation — and a lot of empathy for your pet’s perspective — the holiday season can be magical instead of messy.
A calmer pet means:
Safer interactions
Fewer accidents
Fewer surprises
Fewer emergency vet visits
A more enjoyable holiday for everyone
And most importantly?
Your pet learns that even when the house is full of strangers, you’re still their safe place.
