Spare Your Pet From Holiday Stress

Many people practically live for the winter holidays -- and perhaps you're one of them. There's no denying the fun and excitement that comes from picking out the perfect gifts, organizing a big Christmas party in your home, or hitting the road to visit loved ones at a special time of year. However, there's also no denying that these activities can also produce their share of stress and anxiety, especially for pets. If you want to keep your furry friend happy and healthy during the festive season, consider these pointers about pets and holiday stress.

Common Holiday Stress Triggers for Dogs and Cats

Cats and dogs can experience stress just as readily as humans, if not more so. Holiday stress in pets may occur due to the following triggers.

• Disruptions in routine - Pets, like humans, tend to grow accustomed to a stable, reassuring daily routine. The holidays can throw that routine out the window in a variety of ways, from unexpected guests and lengthy road trips to a frenzy of party preparations. Your pet's regular feeding and exercise times may even be affected, generating anxiety.
• Loud noises and strange faces - Pets can be subjected to sensory overload during the holidays. Your pet may get stressed out by visits from strangers, strange smells from your Christmas tree, loud holiday music, and being surrounded by tinsel and colored lights.
• Travel challenges - Holiday travel can prove stressful for pets, especially if they're not used to it. In addition to the journey itself, your pet might feel uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment once you arrive.
• Secondhand stress from owners - Yes, your own holiday stress can rub off on your pet so that they feel the stress along with you. Dogs in particular are highly sensitive to the emotional state of their humans.

Signs of Holiday Stress in Pets

Pet stress can show itself in several ways. Typical signs that your dog feels stress or anxiety include unusual barking or whining, hiding, pacing, and panting. A cat experiencing holiday stress may hide, lose interest in food, groom itself excessively, or even act aggressively. If you notice these red flags, you need to add some stress-busting strategies to your holiday fun.

Solutions for Holiday Pet Stress

A key strategy for reducing holiday stress in pets involves maintaining as much of a familiar routine as possible. For instance, while you may need to move your pet's bed or crate out of the living room to accommodate guests, you can make the new location more inviting by keeping all your pet's favorite toys and blankets there. Make sure your pet's "safe space" has a door that can be closed for privacy and noise insulation. If your pet starts to feel any anxiety about holiday visitors, sights, smells, or sounds, it now has a quiet, comforting place to get away from it all.

The quality time you spend with your pet up to and during holiday activities can help it feel less stressed. If your pet likes brushing or petting, give it plenty of this tactile reassurance. Give your pet at least as much daily exercise and playtime as usual so it can tire itself out and feel calmer.

If you want to take a road trip with your pet, make it as pleasant as possible. Bring toys and other familiar items to help your pet feel at home in the car, along with plenty of food and water. Stop periodically to allow for exercise and potty breaks. If your pet tends to experience motion sickness or car-related anxiety, ask your vet about medications that can help.

Make sure your pet will feel comfortable at hotels or motels. Do some research to find pet-friendly lodgings that include treats, walking paths, and other animal amenities. If you simply can't find the right accommodations or accustom your pet to travel, book a stay at a veterinary pet boarding facility. These facilities not only know how to make their "tenants" feel happy and loved, but they also offer ready access to medical help if the need should arise -- helping you feel less stress as well.

Last but not least, manage your own holiday stress so that your beloved pet won't sense it and internalize it. Plan your holidays well in advance, setting limits on what you will and won't deal with. Maintain your wellness by getting plenty of sleep and exercise while avoiding dietary overindulgences. Take breaks as needed for alone time, meditation, soothing music, or whatever makes you feel serene in times of stress.

Ask Your Vet for Anti-Stress Advice

Even after taking steps to minimize holiday stress, your pet may still experience some anxiety around seasonal activities. Pets with physical or emotional health problems may prove especially vulnerable. If you worry that you can't keep your best friend calm during the holidays, take your concerns to your veterinarian. This experienced professional can evaluate your pet and determine whether it can benefit from supportive therapies, including medications to ease stress and anxiety if necessary. You might even pick up some additional tips on how to give your pet the safest, most enjoyable holiday experience ever!