The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, but it can also be a source of stress—not just for humans but for pets as well. With visitors, travel, noise, decorations and rich foods, pets may feel more anxious and unsettled than usual. Like their owners, they can be affected by the hustle and bustle of the season, which is why providing holistic care that addresses their body, mind and environment helps them stay balanced   and safe.

Creating a Calm Environment

One way to help pets stay calm during the holidays is to create a peaceful environment at home. While decking the halls and making the home festive, pet owners should also consider their animals’ well-being. Calming music or gentle lighting can create a soothing atmosphere. Soft classical tunes or pet-friendly playlists can help mask noises from parties or other loud festivities.

Aromatherapy, when used carefully, can also promote relaxation. Pet-safe essential oils, such as lavender, vanilla or chamomile, have calming properties that can help animals feel more at ease when diffused in a well-ventilated area.

Designating a quiet zone provides pets with a safe retreat. A cozy area with a familiar bed, blanket and toy offers comfort and security. Routine is equally important in reducing stress. Keeping regular mealtime, walk and bedtime schedules reassures pets that some things remain predictable amid the holiday chaos.

For added holistic support, pet owners can consider natural calming aids such as herbal supplements, CBD (with veterinary guidance) or flower essences like Rescue Remedy. These may help ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm, especially during large gatherings or travel.

Holiday Foods: What to Share and What to Skip

The holiday season is synonymous with food, but not all holiday treats are safe for pets. Plain turkey without seasoning and pumpkin purée are generally pet-friendly options, but rich or fatty foods with seasonings, mushrooms, garlic or onions can be toxic. Other foods to avoid include chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol and xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy and some peanut butters. These can cause serious health issues, including digestive problems, organ failure or even death in extreme cases.

With the abundance of treats and table scraps during the holidays, pets with sensitive stomachs may benefit from probiotic- or prebiotic-rich foods to support digestive health. Even healthy treats should be given in moderation—too much of a good thing can cause discomfort or digestive upset.

Natural Décor and Toxin-Free Spaces

Decorating for the holidays is a cherished tradition, but many seasonal plants and décor items can pose risks to pets. Poinsettias, mistletoe and lilies are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and tinsel, ribbons and small ornaments can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if chewed or swallowed.

A safer option is to use nontoxic candles made from beeswax or soy, which provide a warm, festive glow without the harmful chemicals often found in paraffin candles.

Integrating Wellness Practices

Massage and acupressure techniques may also support pets’ relaxation. These simple practices help with circulation, stress reduction and bonding. Some people also turn to energy healing or reiki to promote their pets’ emotional balance, especially during high-stress times like the holidays.

As we embrace the holiday season, it’s important to slow down and connect—not just with our human loved ones but with our animal companions as well. By being mindful of their needs and offering holistic care that nurtures their body and mind and creates a safe, supportive environment, we can help our pets navigate the busy season with greater ease and comfort.

Holistic pet care isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance, mindfulness and love. When we create a peaceful environment at home, pets feel it too. With a little extra care and attention, we can ensure that our pets enjoy the holiday season as much as we do.

Trella Dubetz is a trauma-informed bodyworker, holistic and human design practitioner, graphic designer and writer based in Lancaster and Huntingdon counties. She blends creativity with healing practices to support personal transformation. Connect with her at TrellaDubetz.com.