We are at the peak of holiday hustle and bustle, so things can get a little stressful, not only for people, but also for pets. Both dogs and cats are creatures of habit. Keeping the routine as normal as possible and keeping the pets safe and secure will help alleviate unnecessary holiday anxiety.
Pets can sense our anxiety. When we are stressed and patience is running thin, pets know it. This can cause stress them out, too.
The decorations coming down from the attic and the house getting rearranged also signal that something outside of the normal is about to happen.
Pets can also become anxious if they see the suitcases come out to holiday travel and know you will be leaving.
The biggest cause of stress for pets — and for some people, too — is that it’s the time of year when we may have more visitors than usual, and the pets may not be used to the increased activity.
To help reduce some of this anxiety, secure pets in a bedroom or somewhere safe while visitors are over. Dogs can become nervous with strangers in their home. If a pet is not used to kids and guests bring small children, this also can make a dog uncomfortable. Cats usually disappear on their own and go somewhere to avoid crowds.
Keeping the pets away from the party also avoids the opportunity for the dog or cat to consume something that may have negative effects on his system later. The last thing we want is a trip to the vet during the holidays.
This is also the season for an increase in the number of missing pets. Doors are opening continually; people are coming in and out, and pets can get lost. This can happen because a pet wanders out an opened door, or because they are stressed and in a flight mode that causes them to want to escape the uncomfortable situation.
With all the activity and distractions, it may be hours before it is noticed that the pet is missing.
Keeping the routine as close to normal as possible and putting the pets in a safe and secure room away from the activities can help reduce their stress, and yours this holiday season.
'TIS THE SEASON: Please consider volunteering at a local shelter or rescue for a few hours this holiday season. Volunteers are hard to come by right now due to travel obligations, holiday festivities and the fact that college students are back at school.
A few hours can make the holidays a little brighter for a shelter animal, and it will be appreciated more than you know by the shelter staff. ARNO has volunteer opportunities available 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!