How To Help Your Shy Pet Survive a Thanksgiving Party

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you are likely planning a big family get-together. While hosting the family is fun and exciting for you, it can be a little traumatic for a shy pet. Shy pets tend to keep to themselves and don't like strangers. Even if your pet is familiar with some of your family members, it may not feel comfortable when everyone is in the house all at once. To prepare your pet for the upcoming holiday excitement, you can take several steps, but first, you should know the signs of anxiety or stress in your pet.

November 22, 2022 • BaxterBoo Team

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you are likely planning a big family get-together. While hosting the family is fun and exciting for you, it can be a little traumatic for a shy pet.

Shy pets tend to keep to themselves and don't like strangers. Even if your pet is familiar with some of your family members, it may not feel comfortable when everyone is in the house all at once. To prepare your pet for the upcoming holiday excitement, you can take several steps, but first, you should know the signs of anxiety or stress in your pet.

Signs of Stress in Pets

All animals are different and have their own unique quirks, but they also share similar traits among species. Dogs, for example, tend to share several characteristic signs of stress. An anxious or stressed dog might lick or bite itself excessively. Also, stressful situations or nervousness can cause the animal to throw up or have other digestive issues, like diarrhea. Finally, an anxious dog may withdraw from the family, become less active, or tremble and tuck its tail in the presence of strangers or large groups of people.

Cats can display many of the same signs as dogs when stressed, but a cat will hide more often than not. Cats may also pant excessively when frightened or nervous.

If you have a stressed or shy animal, it is vital to remember that it may react aggressively if it feels cornered or trapped. It is common for frightened dogs or cats to bite or scratch their owners when anxious. Therefore, for your safety and your animal's, it is necessary to take steps to prevent anxiety and limit uncomfortable interactions.

Ways To Calm Pets During Thanksgiving Gatherings and Other Parties

The best thing you can do for a shy or anxious pet during a big Thanksgiving shindig is to place it in a safe and confined area. For example, if you have a finished basement that your animal is comfortable in, consider locking it downstairs away from guests and noise. You can also place the animal in a bedroom or other area of the house where it is most comfortable.

If your pet is most comfortable in the area of the house where the party will be held, consider helping them adjust to another area temporarily. For example, If your holiday party is between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm, consider taking your pet to another area of the house in the days or weeks leading up to the event and sitting with them. By spending time in the area before the party, your pet won't think anything of it when you lock them in the room during the party.

You also need to remain calm. While it is natural to feel worried for your anxious or stressed pet, your anxiety will only trigger a sympathetic response in your animal. The best thing you can do for your pet during parties or any change is remain calm and reassuring.

Finally, regardless of how many people want to see your pet, keep access off-limits. Shy animals do not want all the attention, so showing it off will only create more anxiety and stress. Also, when multiple people have access to your pet, it increases the likelihood of someone feeding the animal something it shouldn't eat. Not all table scraps are safe for your pet, and some can even be toxic. Thanksgiving sees an influx of emergency vet visits in America because of animals ingesting foods that are not good for them. The best way to keep your pet calm and safe is to keep it away from all the excitement.

Top 5 Products To Keep Your Pet Calm and Happy on Thanksgiving

Science is amazing, and in recent years research has shown how pheromone sprays and products can have a calming effect on cats and dogs. While not all products work on all animals, sprays offer a safe method of increasing calm in an area for your pet. Also, you can put together a playlist or put on a movie for your pet to help disguise the noises from the party. If you want to try products that can help soothe your pet's nerves, professionals suggest several options:

1. Adaptil Dog Calm Home Diffuser: The product includes the diffuser and refill kit, and it is vet recommended and clinically proven to help calm anxious dogs. One diffuser can cover a 700-square-foot area.

2. Adaptil Calm On-the-Go Dog Collar: This effective, non-drug solution can help keep your dog calm wherever it goes. A single collar lasts up to four weeks and is OK for continual wear except for grooming and bathing.

3. Golden Years Calm and Confident Dog Chews: Sometimes senior dogs have a tough time with crowds and parties. Golden Years dog chews promote mental alertness and encourage calm behavior in older dogs.

4. Zesty Bites Calming Bites for Cats: Zesty Bites Calming cat treats are made in the U.S. and are suitable for all life stages. Each package contains 60 soft chews that are free of artificial flavoring, preservatives, and corn.

5. Feliway Multi-Cat Home Diffuser and Starter Kit: Feliway is vet recommended and clinically proven to reduce anxiety in multi-cat households. One diffuser works for a 700-square-foot area.

You have every right to throw a Thanksgiving party for yourself, your family, and your friends, but you should know the event can be stressful for shy animals. Still, if you take the necessary steps and purchase some calming products, your pet will be just fine.