My Favorite Calming Tools for Pets During Holiday Stress

Ashley Areeda
Dec 7
3 min read

Science-backed ways to support dogs & cats when routines get noisy, busy, and unpredictable.

The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and celebration — but for many pets, it also brings stressful changes, such as guests, travel, new scents, sudden noises, and disrupted schedules. As a pet care professional in Northern Michigan, I see this every year: even the most confident animals can struggle during the holidays.

To help your dog or cat feel safe, grounded, and supported, here are my favorite calming tools, backed by veterinary research and decades of behavioral science.

🧠 Why Pets Get Stressed During the Holidays

According to veterinary behaviorists, the most significant sources of seasonal stress include:

Interruptions to routine (meals, walks, bedtime)
Increased noise levels (gatherings, clanging dishes, visitors)
Strangers entering their space
Travel or car rides
Scent overload from candles, new foods, and decorations

A 2023 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science shows that dogs experiencing environmental disruptions display measurable increases in cortisol levels — the stress hormone — within minutes.

The good news? There are gentle, effective ways to help your pet cope.

1. Science-Backed Calming Supplements

These can be especially helpful in the days leading up to holidays and during peak festivities.

✔ L-Theanine (e.g., Anxitane, Composure)

An amino acid shown to reduce fear responses and promote relaxation without sedation.
Backed by peer-reviewed clinical trials.

✔ Magnesium blends for muscle + nervous system calming

Helpful for dogs with “body tension” when anxious.

✔ Probiotics designed for stress

Certain strains (like Bifidobacterium longum) have been shown to modulate the gut-brain axis.
Always check with your veterinarian before starting supplements — especially for seniors or pets with chronic health conditions.

2. Soothing Music & Sound Therapy

Music can shift a pet’s nervous system quickly.

✔ Reggae & soft rock for dogs

Research from the Scottish SPCA found that dogs showed fewer stress behaviors when listening to these genres.

✔ Classical music for cats

Especially “species-specific” frequencies that match feline vocal ranges.

✔ White noise or “fan sounds”

Ideal for guests coming in and out or during meal prep chaos.
Play these in a separate room with a cozy bed to create “instant calm space.”

3. Routines That Ground Your Pet

Even small steps make a huge difference.

✔ Keep feeding + walk schedules as regular as possible

Regularity improves emotional stability in both cats and dogs.

✔ Early exercise on event days

Burning energy earlier reduces reactive behaviors later.

✔ Keep bedtime sacred

Over-tired pets get stressed faster.

✔ Pre-guest decompression time

A quiet room, chew item, or gentle snuggle before people arrive.

Routines signal predictability — a significant stress reducer.

4. Prep Tips Before Guests Arrive

These simple steps create safety and structure:

✔ Set up a “quiet zone”

A room with a soft bed, water, music, and a closed door.

✔ Give long-lasting chews

Choose safe options appropriate for your pet’s size.

✔ Use pheromone diffusers

Adaptil for dogs
Feliway for cats. These mimic natural calming pheromones.

✔ Secure trash cans + food areas

Holiday foods like chocolate, onions, and xylitol are toxic.

✔ Let guests know your pet’s boundaries

A simple “She’s shy, give her space to come to you” goes a long way.

5. On-the-Day Calming Tools

✔ Snuffle mats for foraging + mental work

Engages the nose, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

✔ Lick mats with broth or yogurt

Licking reduces cortisol and lowers heart rate.

✔ Weighted blankets

Deep pressure touch can help anxious pets relax.

✔ Scent dowels or calming sprays

Lavender and chamomile are well-studied for mild stress relief.

6. For Highly Sensitive or Senior Pets

Older pets may struggle more with noise and routine changes.

Consider:

Shorter social exposure
More structured quiet breaks
Easier access to beds and water
Soft lighting + warm bedding

Senior pets thrive with consistency and gentle handling.

Final Thoughts

Holidays can be overwhelming for animals — but with preparation and the right support tools, your dog or cat can experience the season feeling safe and loved.

If you need help keeping routines steady during busy weeks, Northern Paws offers: