Pet Holiday: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Holidays Stress‑Free for You and Your Furry Friends

Pet lovers everywhere can agree on one thing…. we really love our pets! Dr. Jess breaks down all the pet products you need to have during the holidays (including her number one product she has on hand at every holiday!), and what you need to keep in mind whether you are staying at home with your pet, traveling with your pet, or traveling without your pet this holiday season.

This article may contain affiliate links. Read more on my disclosure.

I know that you are here because you want tips and tricks on how to handle the holidays with your pet with as few hiccups as possible.

So, I’d like to start out with my list of pet products for you to pick up beforehand, that will make your holiday season less stressful.

The more that you and your pet can plan ahead and be prepared, the better for everyone.

Remember, the holidays can be great fun, but they can also be quite stressful, on you and your pets.

The first item in the list below is a product that I have on hand at every holiday. This affordable product is a life saver and the few times that I did not have it on hand, I facepalmed myself – I wish I had it with me!

I then give you tips on how to handle your pet in certain situations: the holidays at home and the holidays away, with your pet!

Pet Products You Need to Have During The Holidays:

The list below is a group of pet products that I use either on a daily basis with my own pets at home, or I pack them along on trips during the holidays.

I have learned from trial and error, that many of these items, you may not think to pack on a trip or necessary until xyz actually happens.

So whether you are at home this holiday season with your fido, you are traveling to family and friends with Fluffy, or you are getting away to a fun new getaway vacation with your best furry buddy, make sure you bring everything necessary in this survival guide.

I break it down and tell you why I think each one of these products in this list needs to be on your list too.

Pet Holiday: 15 Products to Help You Handle the Holidays with Your Pet

1. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags, 120 Extra Thick and Strong Poop Bags for Dogs, Guaranteed Leak-proof, Lavender-scented, 8 Rolls, 15 Doggy Bags Per Roll, Each Dog

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• This is one of those "don't leave home without it" type of products for my household. If I am traveling with my pets, there is always the inevitable pitstop for a potty break. It always seems that you always have one too few poop bags.
• So that's when I started packing these environmentally-friendly, lightly-scented (they come in lavender and unscented varieties) poop bags with me for every trip. These are the first thing I pack now... every single trip! These are a must!
• Plus - they are also an Amazon best seller, so I'm not the only one who thinks highly of these little baggies!

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2. PETKIT Portable Dog Water Bottle

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: PETKIT Dog Water Bottle with Filter, Leak Proof Dog Water Dispenser with Drinking Bowl, Food Grade Material, lightweight Portable Pet Water Bottle for Walking, Hiking, Travel, Easy to Carry, BPA Free

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• This handy-dandy water bottle has come in handy so many times for my pups when traveling.
• This water bottle fits right into my car's cup holder as well as my backpack's water bottle pocket.
• It has a filter in it, so if you need to refill this bottle at any time, it will filter the water before serving it to your pet.
• It also has a very convenient bowl-like scooped end, where your pet can lap up the filtered water, just as if they were drinking out of a bowl.
• This water bottle comes in two different sizes (I have the smaller size) and color options and is another Amazon Best Seller product.

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3. Earth Rated Dog Wipes

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Earth Rated Dog Wipes, 400 Plant-Based and Compostable Wipes for Dogs & Cats, USDA-Certified 99 Percent Biobased, Hypoallergenic, Unscented 8x8 Deodorizing Grooming Pet Wipes for Paws, Body and Butt

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• These wipes have saved myself more times than I can count.
• These are great to wipe up quick messes, from dirty paws jumping back into your car when traveling, to messy mouths after eating or playing in the snow, to wiping my 15 year old Boston Terrier's bottom (seriously!), these wipes will keep your pet, yourself, and your things much much cleaner.

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4. Spot Shot Non-Toxic Pet Instant Carpet Stain Cleaner

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Spot Shot Non-Toxic Pet Instant Carpet Stain Cleaner & Odor Remover, 14 oz (3-pack)

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• This spray is AMAZING! I use it in my own home with potty "accidents" and my rugs and carpet look like nothing ever happened. It also smells light and clean and it's easy to use.
• I buy this 3 pack - one for my home, one is packed in our travel bag, and the third is a back-up.
• Another plus is this an Amazon Prime item! So get shipped for free straight to your home in 2 days!

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5. Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer- Safe & Humane Pet Grooming Tool Kit - Cordless & Rechargeable Claw Grooming Kit for Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals 

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• I always envision walking into a holiday party with friends and family smiling and giving welcoming hugs, dogs included....
• ...and I always get the dog with 9-inch long claws jumping up on me to give me a "hug", scratching me along the way. Don't be that pet owner. Make sure that your pet's nails are trimmed and not razor sharp... your family will thank you!
• I love this Dremel nail grinder. One of my dogs hates her nail clipped using a nail clipper/trimmer, so I started using this product and she sits still and doesn't care one bit!
• It's easy to use and has a great battery life.
• It is also an Amazon's Choice product and you can order it through Amazon Prime!

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6. PetSafe Folding Pet Steps

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps, Foldable Steps for Dogs and Cats, Best for Small to Large Pets

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

When you are going to be staying in a home with tall beds, slippery floors, or you just have old pets that can't jump like they once used to like me, then this fold-up set of stairs may help you when out of town, or if you have pets coming to visit you.

This will help with crashes to the floor, scratched up flooring, or torn furniture.

These stairs fold-up and are light for easy travel, and they have no-slip grip on the stairs for a more secure footing for your pet.

They also have almost 25,000 reviews and a very high average star rating! Not to mention that this item is a #1 Amazon Best Seller!

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7. KONG - Classic Dog Toy

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: KONG - Classic Dog Toy - Durable Natural Rubber - Fun to Chew, Chase and Fetch

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• No matter if you are the one traveling this holiday season or your family is coming to you, you need to keep your pets entertained so that you can spend a little time with the humans in your life. This Kong toy does just that! I will stick a treat in the center and off my pups go - giving me at least half an hour of time with them entertained.
• Our Kong toys have lasted us years! The ones in our home now have to be 5+ years old and they still look almost brand new!
• Besides their durability, this toy comes in many sizes and is very affordable, espcially for how long they last!

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8. Electric Moving Realistic Wiggle Fish Catnip Toys

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Peteast Cat Toys, Electric Moving Realistic Wiggle Fish Catnip Toys, Plush Interactive Cat Toys - Fish Kicker Toy for Cats Kitten Kitty

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• To be completely honest, I have not personally tried this product. HOWEVER, I have clients who have and they have said that their cats LOVE this toy!
• It flops around like a fish AND has catnip, so cats go doubly crazy for the toy.
• Your cat deserves some well-needed playtime while you are busy with festivities this holiday season, so make sure that they have plenty of toys to keep them busy and out of trouble.
• It has a built-in touch sensor so it moves when it senses your cat touching it.
• It's currently on Amazon Prime so get it shipped for free in 2 days!

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9. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl - Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• If you have a dog like mine, then you have a dog that eats their food in seconds and then has really stinky bad gas afterward. To help with that gassy pup during the holidays, help your Fido slow down the chow, with a slow feeder bowl like this one.
• This bowl offers many different sizes and colors, as well as different interior designs for you to choose from. Hint: choose a design that you think will be the slowest for your pup to eat out of!
• This particular bowl has well over 30,000 reviews with an average rating over 4 stars and is also an Amazon Best Seller and qualifies currently for Amazon Prime!

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10. Puppy Smart Blue Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puppy Smart Blue Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Why Dr. Jess Likes the Product So Much:

• This is another great example of a slow feeder or a treat dispenser. This puzzle keeps your pet's mind engaged and entertained.
• This puzzle toy has four different difficulty levels to tailor to your pet's ability.
• This product also has a high star review rating and currently qualifies for Amazon Prime so you can get 2-day free shipping.

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11. Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: Dog Crate | MidWest iCrate XXS Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate w/ Divider Panel, Floor Protecting Feet & Leak-Proof Dog Tray | 18L x 12W x 14H Inches, Toy Dog Breed, Black

Why Dr. Jess likes this Product So Much:

This crate is a great crate for the holidays. Not only does it safely contain your pet when you need them to stay put, but it easily collapses for storing away or packing in the car.

It comes in a single door or double door option (I recommend the double door option, which significantly helps getting your pet in and out with two door options!) and multiple color choices.

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12. MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Pet Bed

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Pet Beds, Machine Wash & Dryer Friendly, 1-Year Warranty

Why Dr. Jess likes this Product So Much:

This soft plush dog bed goes right inside the crates that I have above (see #11 above!). My dogs snuggle right up to these beds.

I love that they are washer and dryer friendly and come in many sizes to fit in different size crates and carriers.

They are very affordable, are currently an Amazon Choice product and a part of Amazon Prime!

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13. Dog and Puppy Potty Training Pads

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: AmazonBasics Dog and Puppy Potty Training Pads, X-Large (28 x 34 Inches) - Pack of 40

Why Dr. Jess Likes This Product So Much:

These puppy pads are important if you have a puppy, an old dog like me, or a naughty canine who urinates on the floor when upset or worried about new situations, AKA your holiday plans. These pads can save you a lot of time scrubbing floors this holiday season!

These pads come in different sizes and pad counts and are an Amazon's Choice!

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14. One Fur All 100% Natural Soy Wax Candle

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: One Fur All 100% Natural Soy Wax Candle, 20 Fragrances - Pet Odor Eliminator, 60-70 Hrs Burn Time, Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Reusable Glass Jar Scented Candles – Pet House Candle, Apple Cider

Why Dr. Jess Likes This Product So Much:

I received one of these candles as a gift, and I can say that this candle works! One f my pups is so stinky and this candle can eliminate her stinkiness!

There are tons of different scents to choose from and you can even get 2-day free shipping right now since it does qualify for Amazon Prime!

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15. No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

Photo Credit: Amazon

Description: ZippyPaws - Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, Fox, Raccoon, and Squirrel - Large

Why Dr. Jess Likes This Product So Much:

These soft squeaky toys are fun for dogs to chew, toss, and tug away. I love these toys because they are not full of fluff that my dogs always seem to pull out and leave everywhere. I love snow during the holidays, but not "cotton snow" in the living room!

These toys have over 20,000 ratings, with an average star rating well over 4 stars.

This product is also available for Amazon Prime and is an Amazon Choice item!

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If you have a product that you love to have around the holiday season for you or your pet, please send me a message and I will check it out and possibly update this list!  

Where to Buy Gifts for Pet Lovers?

Don’t stay with family or friends this holiday season, empty-handed, without a gift in hand!

More than likely, wherever you are headed, they are not only okay with you bringing your pet with you, but that they love pets too.

I like to buy my pet lover gifts from Amazon because of Amazon Prime’s free 2-day shipping and overall ease of purchase. If you don’t have Amazon Prime – sign up for a free trial here!

Staying Home With Your Pet During The Holidays:

Just because you are staying home for the holidays, doesn’t mean that you have nothing new to consider when it comes to your pets. Here are a few things to keep in mind that you can look into:

• Stock up on cleaning supplies: Yes, we all know at this point in the year that our toilet paper supplies need to be stocked up at all times because stores are always running out. That may not be the case for other cleaning supplies such as carpet cleaner, paper towels, etc., but when you aren’t stocked up on these things, that’s exactly when you need more of them. Don’t run out to the store at the last minute because you didn’t stock up on essentials earlier on.
• Stick to your routine: Just like most humans, pets don’t like to change up their routine if they don’t have to. Your pet will be most comfortable at home for the holidays this year if their normal daily routine is maintained as best you can. For example, keep meal times at the same general time, go on your daily walk, turn off the lights for the night at the normal time.
• Keep your pet entertained: Have lots of toy options so that your little buddy has things to keep them entertained if you are out more due to holiday parties or if you have guests over that require more of your time that you would normally be spending with your pet.

Traveling With Your Pet During The Holidays:

Traveling with your pet can be stressful. Traveling with your pets during the holidays can take that stress up a notch. Here a couple things you can do to make your travels a little less stressful.

• Write lists and double-check your packing: I always have to make a list specifically for my pets. I start it at least a week before we hit the road. That way, when I think of things throughout the week that I want to add to the list, I’ve got the time to do it. If I start creating a travel list the night before I leave, I will definitely forget to add multiple things on my list, defeating its entire purpose.
• Plan ahead: Where will your pet go when you are busy or out doing things with family? What happens if your pet gets sick on your trip? What happens if your pet’s collar or crate breaks or some other pet breaks into and eats your pet’s food? Then what happens? Bring extras of things – you won’t regret it.
• Plan to adjust: I know for me, when I am traveling in the car with my pooches, there is always the unplanned pit stop for a potty break or a get-the-wiggles out walk session.
• Have an emergency plan: Remember that you are going to be far from home. That means far from your local veterinary clinic in case there is an emergency. Also keep in mind that many vet clinics are closed on holidays. Therefore, I recommend charting out where the nearest emergency veterinary clinics are throughout your holiday traveling route. It’s better to be over-prepared for an emergency than under.

Leaving Your Pet At Home During The Holidays:

If your holiday plans look more like leaving your pet at home while you travel – there are a few things to keep in mind to keep both you and them as comfortable as possible.

• Check in with your pet: I can’t think of a better way to use a webcam while you are gone that using it to check on your pet. I have checked up on my little pups so many times via my webcam and more times than not, I end up with a good chuckle, catching them being either really naughty or really cute. Trust me, it will make you feel much better if you can see and hear them in real time!
• Spoil them from afar: I think that we have all seen commercials for treat dispensers. Your pet is trained to interact in some way with the dispenser and a treat comes out. Well, this treat dispenser has night vision so it can work in low light situations, has a bark alert to alert you to when they are barking, and tosses treats. It works off of wifi and even is compatible with Alexa.
• Hire some additional help: Sometimes a professional licensed and bonded pet sitter or dog walker may be in order to give your pet a little extra attention while you are away. Your sweet nextdoor neighbor or your friend from across town are so nice to help you out and take care of your fur-babes while you’re away, but that extra check-in or two from another set of eyes can really help boost your pet’s morale (and help spot any potential issues) when your pet is missing you this holiday season.

What If Your Pet Has Medical Issues?

If your pet has any known medical issues, I highly recommend bringing your pet in for a check up around the holidays.

This is a good time to get prescription refills, copies of medical records, and vaccines updated (especially if you are going to board your pets at a boarding facility).

These items are good to get done whether you are staying at home with your pet or you are traveling with them as local vet clinics, including yours, may close during the holidays.

If you are crossing state lines, you may need to have paperwork with your pet, so let your vet know when and where you will be traveling with your pet.

What To Do if Your Pet Gets Sick During The Holidays?

The holidays mean that not only will the grocery store be closed, but more than likely, most veterinary clinics.

You may be traveling and far from your local veterinary clinic, where they know you and your pet and can get to all of those help veterinary medical records.

Therefore, I recommend charting out where the nearest emergency veterinary clinics are throughout your holidays, whether you are staying close to home or traveling to far away destinations.

It’s better to be over-prepared for an emergency than under.

This way, if you do find yourself in an emergency situation with your pet, you know exactly where the closest emergency clinic is.

You can head their way immediately, call them to inform them so that they know how to prepare for your arrival, and ultimately save an incredible chunk of time that you would be using to Google emergency vet clinics.

These precious minutes could mean life or death.

Summary:

The holidays are stressful enough on their own.

This article gave some great tricks and tips on how to make the pet holidays a little bit easier with tried and true products and actions that you can take to make everyone’s holiday a little brighter and less stressful.