Holiday stresses
Don't be surprised if your normally laid back dog or cat begin to act out around the holidays. This is a stressful time for pets and owners alike. During the holidays, we are adding decorations, rearranging the furniture, which can confuse the animal. Schedules are also disrupted, which can cause a great deal of stress for our pets. Strangers in the house can create a stressful environment as well. A few simple steps can cut back on your pets frayed nerves considerably.
Reduce Stress
To help you pets avoid stress, ease into the holiday routine. Rather than springing the Christmas decorations out all at once, bring out a few pieces at a time. This will allow your pets to become accustomed to the changes without being overwhelmed. If the wrapped packages frighten your animals, place on or two on the floor until they are more comfortable. Let your tree set for a day before decorating it, and put loud, motion activated decorations out of reach.
It is important to stick to a routine as much as possible. A break in routine can be the single largest stress to pets during the holidays. When possible, keep feeding and exercise on a regular schedule. Strangers in the house can confuse and frighten you pets, so help them avoid that stress by distracting them with a favorite toy, or putting them behind a baby gate. Make sure you pets have a safe, quiet room in which they can escape holiday activity and guests.
Remember
If you remember the holidays can be a stressful time for your pets as well as your self, and take their needs into consideration too, it can make for a more pleasant holiday experience for everyone. And don't forget to give your beloved pets a nice big gift from Santa this year. They deserve it.
