Home for the Holidays: Caring for Dogs & Cats with Intention
Because strong hearts—human and animal—are built through everyday care
It’s true! The holidays make life feel more “full.” Our homes come alive with gatherings and conversations, kitchens are warmed with the scent of holiday baking, and days are shaped around what matters most. Like us, this is also a time of excitement for our furry companions—both dogs and cats alike. But it can also feel unpredictable. New sounds, faces, and shifting routines can replace excitement with stress.
At A Strong Heart, we believe that caring for our pets shouldn’t feel complicated—or costly. Every dog and cat deserves nourishment, safety, and comfort at every live stage, without families having to choose between quality and accessibility. Because care should feel steady, dependable, and rooted in love.
Because you love your fur kids as much as we love ours, here are thoughtful ways to support a calm, healthy, and heartfelt holiday for the pets who give us so much, all year long.
Create a Peaceful Retreat
In the center of holiday energy, every pet deserves a place to pause. Before guests arrive, set up a quiet, familiar space where your dog or cat can retreat when things feel a bit overwhelming. A favorite bed or toy, and something that smells like you can offer both comfort and reassurance. Cats often appreciate vertical spaces (like cat towers) or covered hideaways (a laundry basket turned on its side and covered with a towel to make a “cat cave” that goes a long way). Making a shelter doesn’t have to cost a lot. Dogs benefit from a soft spot of their own, like a dog bed or a fluffy blanket.
Providing choice—not isolation—helps pets feel safe, which support emotional wellbeing and overall heart health.
Feed with Care, Keep It Simple
Holiday meals are meaningful for us—but they can be risky for pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, and rich or heavily seasoned foods should always stay off-limits for both dogs and cats. Even small indulgences can disrupt digestion or upset tummies.
Including your pet in the holiday season doesn’t necessarily mean sharing the table. It means offering nourishment you trust—balanced, complete meals designed to support their health at every life stage. When high-quality nutrition is accessible and routines stay consistent, pets thrive—especially during a season full of increased activity and a break from our usual way of life. Because caring shouldn’t come with barriers.
Keep Routines Steady
The holidays tend to shake up schedules, but pets find comfort in predictability. Try to maintain regular feeding times, walks, play, and rest—even when life feels busier than usual. Dogs benefit from daily movement and connection, while cats feel most secure when their environment and rhythms remain familiar.
A steady routine supports emotional balance, digestion, and heart health, which creates calming for them and peace of mind for you!
Decorate with Safety in Mind
Though it’s fun to decorate our environment, not everything festive is pet friendly. Make sure to secure cords, skip dangling décor, and opt for flameless candles whenever possible. Tinsel, ribbons, and edible decorations can be especially tempting—and dangerous—for curious cats and dogs.
Instead, thoughtfully preparing your space with your furry companions in mind allows everyone to relax and enjoy the holidays safely.
Welcome Guests with Gentle Boundaries
Some pets greet guests with excitement; others need time and space. And both responses are totally valid! It just depends on a pets’ unique personality.
Instead of throwing them into the fray, allow dogs and cats to approach new people at their own pace. Encourage guests to let this happen (versus forced engagement). When pets feel protected and understood, stress stays low and trust grows stronger.
Make Time for Quiet Enjoyment of the Holidays
In the rush to make the holidays special, the most meaningful moments are often the simplest: a peaceful walk, a shared nap, a few minutes of playtime. Sitting together in stillness. These small rituals support emotional well-being—for pets and people alike.
Our dogs and cats remind us that presence is the greatest gift we give.
A Season Rooted in Care
Our pets don’t ask for perfection. They ask for consistency, nourishment, and love. When healthy nutrition is made accessible, care becomes something we can give more freely and consistently.
From all of us at A Strong Heart, we wish you a holiday filled with calm moments, strong connections, and the quiet comfort of those who make our house a home.