How to help an anxious dog during the holidays

For us, the holidays mean reunions, music and good food. For a sensitive dog, they're more like a marathon: a tree in the middle of the living room, guests coming and going, new smells and, on New Year's Eve, fireworks. The good news: with a little preparation, you can help an anxious dog during the holidays get through the season more calmly.

Why the holidays are so stressful for some dogs

• Too much stimulation: flashing lights, louder music, conversations, laughter and slamming doors.
• A disrupted routine: later meals, shorter walks, trips to visit family.
• Unfamiliar faces: even a social dog can feel overwhelmed when the house fills up.
• Your own excitement: holiday prep makes us rushed, and our dogs pick up on it.

Signs to watch for during the party

An anxious dog doesn't always bark. Keep an eye out for subtler signals: licking their lips or yawning for no reason, panting when it isn't hot, showing the whites of their eyes, tucking their tail or going off to hide. To learn more, see our guide to the signs of stress in dogs.

Before the holidays: getting your anxious dog ready

Set up a safe room

Choose a quiet room away from the front door and the kitchen. Put in their bed, a blanket that smells like home, a water bowl and a favourite toy. Introduce this spot a few days ahead with treats and gentle attention, so they link it with something pleasant.

Keep their routine as much as you can

Mealtimes and walk times are their landmarks. Even with a busy schedule, try to keep them.

Let them burn off energy before guests arrive

A good walk where they can sniff to their heart's content, a few hours before the evening, will help them rest during the party.

During the evening: protecting their bubble

Brief your guests

A quick message before the evening avoids a lot of awkwardness: "Our dog is a bit shy with crowds. Let them come to you if they want to, and please don't feed them." Nobody should go looking for them in their safe room.

Keep them busy with a calm activity

During the meal, offer a food-stuffed toy, a lick mat or a snuffle mat. Chewing, licking and sniffing are activities many dogs find soothing. Stay within their daily food allowance.

Watch the table and the decorations

The holidays are also the season of small hazards:

• Toxic foods: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, alcohol and anything containing xylitol (some gums, candies and baked goods).
• Leftovers: cooked bones and very fatty foods are best avoided.
• Decorations: garlands, tinsel, small ornaments and electrical cords can be chewed or swallowed.

If you think your dog has swallowed something dangerous, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.

New Year's Eve and fireworks

• Take them out for their last bathroom break before midnight, on leash, even in a fenced yard. A frightened dog may bolt.
• Make sure their ID tag is up to date.
• Close the curtains and play soft music or background noise to muffle the bangs.
• If they come to you, you can comfort them calmly. If they'd rather hide, let them.

What if you use a calming treat?

If you're thinking of offering an Anivéra calming treat during this period, start a few days before the holidays. You'll have time to see how your dog takes to it and to fit it into their routine, at the serving recommended for their weight, with or after a meal. It's formulated to support your dog's emotional balance and overall well-being. It doesn't replace the safe room or the precautions above. If your dog goes through intense fear every year, talk to your veterinarian well before December.

In short

An anxious dog copes better with the holidays when you prepare ahead: a safe room, a respected routine, informed guests and a safe table. In the end, the best gift you can give them is respecting their pace.

Frequently asked questions

Should I make my dog greet the guests?

No. Forcing an anxious dog only adds to their discomfort. Let them choose whether to approach, and reward them gently when they do.

Can my dog stay with the kids during the party?

Only with an adult supervising. A tired or stressed dog has less patience. Give them regular breaks in their safe room.

Is it better to have them looked after on Christmas Eve?

It depends on your dog. For some, a quiet evening with someone they know well is more restful than a full house. For others, an unfamiliar place is more stressful. Trust what you know about them.