As the festive season approaches, we understand it can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for pets and their owners. To support your clients and their furry companions, we’ve packed this month’s blog with tips to keep pets calm during the holiday chaos and curated a list of the top five Christmas gifts to stock in your clinic. Let’s help your clients create a memorable and stress-free festive season for their beloved pets!
Silly Season Survival: Supporting Pets During the Festive Season
The holidays bring extra visitors, disrupted routines, and loud celebrations—all of which can be overwhelming for pets. Share these practical tips with your clients to help their pets feel calm and secure:
Be Extra Organised with Prescriptions
For pets on prescription medications, missing even a few days can have serious consequences. For example, a missed dose of anti-seizure medication may result in a dangerous flare-up. Encourage your clients to check their pet’s medication supply at least a week before any public holidays and reach out if they need to stock up. Advanced notice gives you the time to ensure clinics are well-prepared with necessary supplies.
Avoid Dietary Upsets
If a pet is on a prescription diet, sudden food swaps during the holiday season can lead to tummy troubles. Suggest that owners stock up on their pet’s usual food to avoid running out.
Even for pets without special dietary needs, remind owners to limit seasonal treats to healthy options and avoid feeding foods that can be harmful, including:
Cooked bones
Fatty meats
Rawhide
Chocolate
Onion and garlic
Grapes and sultanas
These precautions will help pets stay happy and healthy throughout the festive season.
Continue Parasite Prevention
Fleas and ticks thrive during the warmer months, making parasite prevention essential during the holidays. Fleas can cause skin irritation, while paralysis ticks pose life-threatening risks, such as weakness and breathing difficulties.
Recommend that pet owners stay on top of their pets’ parasite prevention routines and suggest safe, effective products, such as those offered by Number 1’s Shy Tiger range. This ensures that pets remain protected while their owners relax over the break.
Fireworks Safety
Celebratory fireworks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve can terrify pets, leading to panicked escape attempts. Encourage clients to:
Create a secure, quiet space for their pets, such as a covered crate or a cozy hiding spot.
Use calming tools like Shy Tiger calming sprays and diffusers, pheromone products, or stress-relief accessories like Thundershirts. These provide gentle pressure that can help pets feel more secure, similar to a comforting hug.
If pets are especially sensitive to loud noises, suggest they consult their vet about safe, calming medications.
Create a Safe Space
Unfamiliar guests and loud celebrations can overwhelm pets. Encourage owners to prepare a quiet, familiar area where their pets can retreat.
Stick to Routines
Pets thrive on routine, so maintaining consistent feeding, walking, and play schedules can help reduce their anxiety during busy holiday periods.
Exercise and Enrichment
Extra exercise or mental stimulation can help pets burn off nervous energy. Recommend using enrichment tools like ZIWI cans with Lickimats or toys like KONGs for a calming activity that keeps pets happily engaged.
Use Calming Products
Natural solutions like Shy Tiger’s Soothe + Calm range are excellent for reducing stress. The diffuser blend is perfect for creating a relaxing environment, while the day spray is a great option for pets traveling or experiencing new environments.
By sharing these simple but effective tips, clinics can help their clients ensure a happy, healthy holiday season for their pets. For all your festive stock and calming product needs, feel free to contact Number 1—we’re here to support you!
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