An AcutePet Guide to Winter Wags, Whiskers & Worries
There’s something extra sweet about sharing the holidays with pets. They curl up under the tree, follow us from room to room, and sense every emotion we’re carrying into the season. But with all the bustle – guests arriving, décor changing, routines shifting – our pets can feel the moment just as much as we do.
If they could talk, they’d probably tell us they love the togetherness… and also that the giant light-covered tree is highly suspicious.
So here’s our gentle holiday guide – full of simple ways to ease their anxiety, keep them safe, and help them enjoy the coziest parts of the season (plus a few fun “pet quotes” from our AcutePet team).
Helping Pets Through Holiday Stress
The holidays are joyful, but they’re also full of surprises. For pets, surprises can feel stressful, confusing, or overstimulating. Here are a few simple ways to help your furry family members stay relaxed when the season gets loud.
1. Keep the Routine Cozy & Predictable
Holiday schedules can get wild, but consistency helps pets feel grounded. Stick to familiar feeding times, walks, and play routines as much as possible.
2. Create a Quiet “Holiday Hideaway”
A calm, comfy space works wonders for your pet. Think soft lighting, their favorite bed, white noise, and a clear signal that this space is theirs.
3. Watch Their Body Language
Pets won’t unwrap their feelings with words, but their behavior speaks loudly.
Look for:
- Hiding
- Pacing
- Lip licking or yawning
- Over-grooming
- Clinginess
- Decreased appetite
If they’re showing these signs, they may need a break from the holiday bustle.
4. Secure Doors, Gates & Escape Routes
With guests coming and going, the “oops-the-door-cracked-open-for-two-seconds” moment happens fast. Make sure outdoor access points are controlled and clear.
5. Introduce Guests at Their Pace
No forced greetings. Let pets approach when they feel comfortable. (Dogs and cats do not care that Aunt Linda “loves animals” – they will come when they’re ready.)
6. Protect Pets From Holiday Snacks
Chocolate, charcuterie, turkey skin, and baked goods are all pet no-nos. Sharing the season is sweet – sharing table scraps is… less sweet.
7. Don’t Skip the Exercise
Exercise burns holiday jitters. Even a short walk or play session can drop stress levels dramatically.
Team AcutePet: “If My Pet Could Talk…”
Because our team’s pets absolutely have thoughts about the holiday season – and they didn’t hold back.
Spotlight: Kiki
“Holiday treat taster reporting for duty!”
— Fiona, Director of Finance
Kiki clearly takes her seasonal responsibilities very seriously. With that stance and that expression, she looks ready to audit every single treat in the house.
Spotlight: Ollie
“Ready for those table scraps whenever you are, mom!”
— Cara, RVT
Ollie’s holiday tradition? Waiting patiently for the guests to leave… so the table-scrap treasure hunt can begin.
Spotlight: Venus (L) + Val (R)
“Is it time to meet Santa yet?”
— Shelby, Veterinary Assistant
These pups have had Christmas morning on their minds all summer long. Honestly, the excitement is kind of contagious!
Spotlight: CoCo
“All this hustle bustle, when are you coming to bed?!!”
— Lindsey, Practice Manager
CoCo says holiday prep is exhausting… and she hasn’t even lifted a paw. She votes we skip straight to the snuggle portion of the program.
Pet-Safe Holiday Toy Guide
Not all toys are created equal – especially this time of year. Here’s what passes the “safe and snuggly” test.
For Dogs
- Durable rubber toys (KONG-type)
- Treat puzzles (mental work = tired dog)
- Rope toys (supervision recommended)
- Plush toys with reinforced seams
- Fetch toys designed not to shred
Avoid: cooked bones, ornaments, plushies that explode on impact, ribbon-covered items, and anything with button batteries.
For Cats
- Catnip kickers
- Feather wands (again – supervised!)
- Puzzle feeders
- Cozy tunnels
- Soft little mice toys
Avoid: tinsel (the villain of December), ribbon, tiny swallowable parts, and toys with loose batteries.
A Cozy Closing Thought
Your pet doesn’t care about perfect decorations, flawless hosting, or the great cookie bake-off of 2025. They care about you – your presence, your voice, your calm energy, and your consistency. A little predictability and a few safety steps go a long way in making their holiday season as warm as yours.
