Keeping Your Pets Calm During the Festive Season
The festive season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness—but it can also bring added stress to our beloved pets. With the hustle and bustle of visitors, decorations, fireworks 😱, unfamiliar places and changes in routine, pets can easily become anxious.
Here are some tips for keeping your pets calm this festive season.
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1. Create a Calm Space
During holiday gatherings, your pets might feel overwhelmed by the noise, excitement and crowds. To help them relax, create a quiet, safe space where they can retreat when they need a break. This could be a cozy bed in a low-traffic area, away from the chaos of guests and decorations. A calm, familiar space can help your pets feel safe and comfortable, reducing their stress levels.
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2. Stick to a Routine
Pets thrive on routine, and the holiday season can easily disrupt their usual schedules. Irrespective of where you are, try to keep feeding times, walks and bedtimes consistent to minimise confusion and stress. Maintaining a stable routine can provide your pets with a sense of security, even when everything around them feels different.
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3. Prepare for Fireworks
Fireworks are a common cause of anxiety for pets. The loud noises and bright flashes can be very distressing. To help your pets cope:
- Keep them indoors during fireworks displays.
- Close windows and curtains to minimise noise and light exposure.
- Use calming products like Vetafarm’s B-Calm range to reduce stress levels.
- Play soothing music or turn on the TV to help mask the sound of fireworks.
- Stay with your pet and offer reassurance if they seem anxious.
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4. Use Vetafarm’s B-Calm Products
Vetafarm offers a range of natural yet highly effective calming solutions specifically designed to help reduce your pet’s stress. At this stage, we have a range of cats, dogs, and parrots.
- Lovebites Cat B-Calm: Lovebites Cat B-Calm is a tasty, stress-reducing chew made with natural ingredients to help your cat feel calm and relaxed. Perfect for noisy or high-energy holiday moments.
- Lovebites Dog B-Calm: Lovebites Dog B-Calm is a delicious treat that helps reduce anxiety. Whether it’s the sound of fireworks or a busy household, these chews will help your dog stay calm and content.
- Vetafarm Parrot B-Calm: Vetafarm Parrot B-Calm is formulated to help soothe and calm your feathered friends, whether they’re feeling stressed by new environments or loud gatherings.
We recommend giving it to them daily for two weeks in the lead-up to the season.
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5. Avoid Overstimulation with New People and Pets
Keep a close eye on your pet’s body language to ensure that they’re not looking nervous, and always supervise them with children. Be mindful of their limits and provide breaks from the festivities. Encourage them to retreat to their calm space if they seem overwhelmed.
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6. Gentle Interaction and Quality Time
With the busy holiday schedule, it’s easy to overlook spending quality time with your pets. Take a moment to engage with them in a relaxed manner. Gentle petting, playing with their favourite toy, or simply sitting quietly together can help soothe your pet and strengthen your bond. Sometimes, your presence is the greatest comfort you can offer.
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Happy holidays to you and your pets!