Holiday Tips, Tricks & Hacks for a Stress-Free Season With Your Dogs and Cats

Holiday Tips, Tricks & Hacks for a Stress-Free Season With Your Dogs and Cats

The holidays are a magical mix of cozy traditions, sparkling decorations, delicious food…and complete chaos for many pets! New scents, houseguests, last-minute errands, road trips, and shifting routines can leave dogs and cats overstimulated, anxious, or unsure of what’s going on.

A little planning goes a long way! Here’s your guide to making the season calmer, safer, and more joy-filled for every furry family member — plus a festive, PawTree-powered enrichment treat your pets will love.

Create a “Holiday Safe Zone” for Peace & Quiet

Even social pets can become overwhelmed during the holidays. A dedicated quiet space gives them control and comfort when things get loud or unpredictable.

Set up your pet’s cozy retreat with:

• A soft bed or open crate

• Dim lighting or a comfy corner

• Classical music, white noise, or a fan

• Fresh water within reach

• Pet-calming diffusers (Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs)

• A favorite blanket or mom’s/dad’s unwashed sweatshirt for a familiar scent

  
  

This helps reduce anxiety-driven behaviors like barking, hiding, over-grooming, pacing, and excessive meowing.

Keep Holiday Treats Out of Paw’s Reach

Holiday foods are tempting…but many can be harmful!

Foods to keep away from pets:

• Chocolate

• Grapes & raisins (in cookies, breads, stuffing)

• Xylitol (sugar-free baked goods, candies, gum)

• Onions, garlic, leeks

• Alcohol

• Poultry bones

• Rich, fatty leftovers

  
  

Healthier alternatives: Offer pet-safe holiday snacks like freeze-dried turkey, plain canned pumpkin, crunchy veggies — or better yet, use this season to introduce fun enrichment treats (recipes below!).

Protect Your Christmas Tree & Decorations

Cats see trees as jungle gyms, and dogs see ornaments as toys! A few preventative steps save a lot of frustration.

Tree Hacks:

• Anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling

• Use a heavy base

• Keep fragile ornaments high

• Skip the tinsel (major intestinal hazard)

• Wrap or tape electrical cords

• Block access to tree water

  
  

Pro Tip: Use a citrus-scented, pet-safe deterrent spray on the lower branches — cats hate citrus, and it discourages chewing or climbing.

Stock Up on Enrichment Before Things Get Busy

The busier you get, the more your pets need mental work to burn energy. Enrichment is life-saving during the holidays!

Great enrichment tools:

• Snuffle mats

• Lick mats

• Stuffed Kongs

• Puzzle feeders

• Rotating toys

• Cat tunnels & wand toys

• For dogs — long-lasting chews

• For cats — vertical climbing spots

  
  

A stimulated pet is happier, calmer, and less likely to chew wrapped gifts or climb your tree.

HOLIDAY FEATURE: A Busy-Treat Recipe Using PawTree Ingredients

🎄 PawTree Calming Holiday Lick Mat (or Kong) Treat. Great for both dogs and cats!

You’ll need:

• Kong ball or lick mat

• PawTree Bone Broth

• PawTree Calming Chews (crumbled)

• A spoonful of PawTree Superfood Seasonings

• PawTree Freeze-Dried Chicken, Duck, or Beef (crumbled or whole pieces)

• A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or pumpkin purée

  
  

Instructions:

1. Spread a base layer: Smear a thin layer of plain pumpkin or Greek yogurt across the lick mat (or inside the Kong).

2. Sprinkle enrichment: Add a dusting of PawTree’s Superfood Seasonings for flavor and nutrition.

3. Add calming support: Crumble 1–2 PawTree Calming Chews over the top.

4. Pour in flavor: Mix some PawTree bone broth with some water to help it dissolve and then drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of it (for Kongs: mix until slightly thick so it doesn’t leak).

5. Add a crunchy bite: Top with a few pieces of freeze-dried PawTree food or treats.

6. Freeze for 1–3 hours: Perfect for long-lasting enrichment during holiday chaos!

   
   

Why pets love it: It’s calming, delicious, and mentally stimulating — and busy pets are well-behaved pets!

Prepare Your Pets for Holiday Guests

Guests can unknowingly stress pets out, especially shy or reactive animals.

Guest Etiquette Tips:

• Ask visitors to ignore your pet until your pet approaches

• Keep exterior doors closed (holiday escapes are common)

• Give pets a “no-kids zone” if needed

• Use baby gates to create safe boundaries

  
  

For cats: let them choose when to socialize. Never force interactions!

Traveling With Pets? Prep in Advance.

Whether you’re visiting family or taking a weekend getaway, preparation is key!

Pack a pet travel kit:

• Regular food

• PawTree supplements or calming chews

• Water + collapsible bowls

• Comfort toys

• Favorite blanket

• Litter supplies/cat carrier

• Long line & leash

• Updated tags/microchip info

• Any medications

  
  

Travel hack: Put a small towel or blanket from home in their travel carrier to bring comforting scents along.

Stick to Routines (As Much as Humanly Possible)

Holiday schedules can be unpredictable, but consistency eases stress for pets. Try to keep:

• Feeding times

• Walks

• Play sessions

  
  

If your holiday season gets too hectic, hiring a pet sitter or dog walker is a lifesaver for both you and your animals!

With some planning, enrichment, and awareness, you can keep your dogs and cats safe, calm, and happy all season long. The holidays don’t have to be chaotic for your pets — these tips and the PawTree-powered treats help ensure a peaceful, joyful season for the whole family.