Winter is firmly here this week, let's think ahead a little to the disruption that the festive season can bring to our pets, and some practical ways you can support them.
Create a Calming Environment
Do provide a safe space for your pets if the holiday hustle and bustle is overwhelming. Create a quiet area where they can retreat and relax, equipped with their bed, favourite toys, and some calming music or natural soundscapes. This is especially helpful for pets sensitive to loud noises like fireworks or holiday parties.
I have already put an additional bed in a small spare room for Jayne to retreat to when hoards of family and visitors arrive and am encouraging her to spend time there during the day, by using my laptop nearby. I will attach a dog gate to the door, so that when we have younger children visiting, they can be kept safe. (Jayne has sleep startle - an instinctive aggressive response to being disturbed while sleeping).
During times when you have visitors, do monitor your pet for signs of distress, such as increased panting, hiding, or excessive barking. Direct them to their safe space if they are becoming dysregulated.
In advance of the festive season, spend a bit of time working with your pet to find out which herbs or essential oils they enjoy and find calming(see below). Then offer these in their safe room to help them settle.
Offer Healthy Treats
Do opt for healthy, pet-safe holiday treats like hairy beef skin, goat skin sticks, rabbit ears, pizzles etc for dogs. Defrosted sprats for cats.
Nuts in small amounts can be offered to dogs, except NOT macadamia nuts. Try sharing a Brazil nut with your dog, or a hazelnut or walnut/pecan.
Always check for ingredients that are free from toxic substances like xylitol, chocolate, or onions.
Avoid commercial “rawhide” products - Chinese imports may be processed using toxic formaldehyde.
Avoid offering rich or fatty foods such as turkey skin, gravy (onions), or any foods containing chocolate, raisins, or alcohol.
Consider treats with added benefits like those containing probiotics (eg Kefir) or omega-3 fatty acids (Frozen sprats) to support your pet’s digestion and coat health. Spirulina powder is a great thing to offer dogs and cats - some prefer it dry, some with a splash of water. Spirulina is a microscopic algae, a rich source of protein, essential fatty acids, Vitamins B, C and E, beta-carotene, antioxidants and iron. It supports the immune system and stimulates production of red blood cells. It encourages healthy gut bacteria and improves coat condition within days in many cases. - Offer 1/8 tsp per 10kg at the side of the food or in a separate dish - if needed, then the pet will take it.
Practice Safe Socialisation
Do introduce your pets to new guests or situations gradually, ensuring they are comfortable. Some pets may feel stressed by changes in routine or unfamiliar faces, so monitor their body language for signs of stress. Guests that are unfamiliar with pets may not be able to read dog body language. A common misconception is that a dog lying on its back with a hind leg raised is asking for a tummy rub - they are not - they are expressing anxiety and would rather be left alone. Do check out the ladder of aggression to help educate visitors.
If your pet is anxious around people, make use of their safe space and consider using natural calming remedies like Bach flower essences (e.g., Rescue Remedy) or incorporating aromatherapy (e.g., Roman chamomile) to ease their nerves. You can add Rescue remedy to water for your pet, but make sure it is in an additional bowl, so they have a choice of plain water or water with Rescue Remedy.
Engage in Gentle Play or massage your pet
Do enjoy interactive play with your pets during the holidays. Use puzzle toys, gentle fetch games, or snuggle time. Holiday decorations like soft fabric stockings can double as toys for cats to bat around, or pop a tennis ball inside for your dog. Dried herbs stuffed into old socks can make a great toy for cats and some dogs - supervision is essential. Try catnip or valerian for cats, and chamomile or lavender for dogs.
Gentle massage - find out more about Tellington touch, try sweeping movements over the big back muscles and watch your pets response. They make great teachers if us humans watch and listen to their body language.
LIcky mats are great to calm dogs - licking and chewing releases endorphins, thus reducing stress.
Licky mats with seasonal treats can be used - only use Gravy if it is onion free, sausagemeat stuffing (onion free), bread sauce (onion free), overcooked veg can be squished onto a licky mat, then sprinkled with tiny pieces of turkey. You know your pet’s dietary sensitivities, don’t offer large amounts of new foods, stick to safe knowns.
Prioritise Exercise
Do ensure that your dog or cat gets adequate physical exercise during the festive period, try and stick to their usual routine. Short walks or interactive games help maintain a healthy body and mind.
Incorporate nature-based activities like walking on the beach or in local woods, which can be grounding and reduce stress for both pets and owners. A spot of forest bathing after a big Christmas lunch will make sure you have earned your mince pies (which you cannot share due to the raisins).
Watch the plants!
Plants like poinsettias, holly, or mistletoe can be toxic to pets if ingested.Even Christmas trees can pose a risk if needles are consumed or if pets chew on electrical cords.
If you want a safe festive plant, consider an organic, pet-friendly option like a spider plant or cat grass to provide a healthy alternative for nibbling. Grow wheat grass or barley grass on a windowsill for your pets to nibble on. (Tip, cover the growing medium with a wire mesh to prevent them pulling up the entire plant)
Holiday decorations, especially items like tinsel, ribbons, or ornaments, can be choking hazards or lead to intestinal blockages if ingested.
Holistic Tip: Use natural or sustainable materials for decorations, as they are less likely to harm pets and are often more eco-friendly.
Essential oils can be a powerful tool in promoting your pets' well-being, but they must be used carefully and thoughtfully. When used correctly, essential oils offer therapeutic benefits for both dogs and cats, especially during the festive season, when pets may face extra stress from changes in routine, loud noises, or an influx of guests. Applying Zoopharmacognosy principles allows pets to self-select or choose oils that they feel drawn to, just like they do with herbs. However, it’s important to understand which oils are safe, how to diffuse or apply them, and how to respect your pet’s instincts and preferences.
In general, Dogs may be offered the essential oil or the dry herb. For cats, it’s safest to work with the dry herb as part of a Cat Herb Garden.
Don’t put essential oils directly on your pets, nor on their bedding - the exposure to the aroma must be voluntary, leave the door open so your pet can leave the room if they choose.
Cats may choose to rub themselves against the dry herbs on a herb garden - this is fine.
Offer the bottle (or for cats, the dry herb) to sniff - if your pet is interested, try putting ONE DROP on a cloth (for cats a generous pinch of the dry herb on a mat) and leave nearby. Observe their response, allow them to leave the room if they choose. Do not apply directly to your pet, or their collar or bedding.
Here are some essential oils and dry herbs that are safe for dogs and cats when used properly, along with their benefits:
Valerian root: This herb can help relieve anxiety. Use the essential oil or dry herb with dogs and the dry herb for cats. Cats may show a temporary excitable phase before becoming calmed by valerian. Many cats choose to sit over the pinch of valerian root on their herb garden mat. Bert (below) chooses the sit on top of the pinch of Valerian root on this herb garden.
Catnip (for cats): Known for its calming or mildly euphoric effects, catnip can help alleviate stress and provide mental stimulation. Did you know that about one third of cats lack the metabolic pathway to utilise catnip - these will show zero interest!
Peppermint (for dogs) - a cooling herb that can soothe inflamed guts, offer fresh or dried leaves, a tea, or the essential oil in very small amounts - this one is very volatile and may be irritant if touches your dog's mouth or nose, so be careful with the bottle. Put one drop on a cloth for your dog.
Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia), or dried Lavender - for dogs.
Lavender is known for its calming, relaxing, and anti-anxiety properties. It is ideal for pets experiencing stress, such as from holiday crowds, fireworks, or changes in their environment.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamaemelum nobile) sometimes known as English Chamomile, (as opposed to German Chamomile). can support dogs with anxiety, promote relaxation and offer stress relief.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - offer dried flowers for cats. As a tea, or the essential oil for dogs. Helps to reduce inflammation, especially good for soothing guts (make into tea). May also help dogs and cats with painful muscles or joints when inhaled.
Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia carterii)
Frankincense has calming, grounding properties and is known to support emotional balance. It can help pets that experience anxiety or nervousness, particularly during changes in their environment.
Frankincense is great for older pets as it may also help with joint discomfort or inflammation, making it a dual-purpose oil for seasonal changes. Frankincense oil is safe to be offered to cats - use a drop on a cloth and observe.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis). Sweet orange is great for dogs who need a little extra help with mood enhancement or to reduce mild anxiety.
Thyme: For both cats and dogs, thyme can support mental clarity and calmness. May also support pets with a tendency towards sniffles and coughs.
Trust Your Pet’s Instincts: If your pet shows interest in a particular essential oil or dry herb (by sniffing, licking, or rubbing), that may be an indication that they are naturally drawn to its benefits. Respect their instincts and allow them to explore oils and herbs in their own time. Let us know in the comments which herbs and essential oils your pet has shown interest in.
Consult a Holistic Vet: If you’re unsure about which oils are best suited for your pet, or if your pet has a specific health condition, I can offer a consultation utilising my vast collection of essential oils and offer personalised guidance on essential oils and safe applications.
Final Tips for Zoopharmacognosy During the Holidays:
Offer access, but let them choose: Provide a safe, comfortable space where your pet can access the herbs or essential oils freely without stress or interruption. This approach allows them to listen to their bodies and make choices based on their needs. Allow your pet to choose how long they remain in the same room as the oils or herbs - leave the door open so they can leave when they choose.
Observe and adapt: Notice what herbs your pet gravitates toward. If they’re drawn to a particular herb or oil during a stressful time, this may be their body signalling the need for its benefits. Keep the oils and herbs in a consistent cupboard, your pet will soon learn to ask for the oil or herb by standing next to the cupboard.
Create a calming holiday environment: Along with offering essential oils and herbs, help your pet feel at ease by maintaining their daily routines, providing a quiet retreat space, and limiting exposure to loud noises or overstimulation. Stick to their normal foods and routines as much as possible.
Work with a holistic vet: If you’re unsure about which herbs are best for your pet’s specific needs, a consultation with me can provide tailored guidance for your pet’s health during the holiday season. For more details, visit www.holisticvetnorfolk.com
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