The holidays are officially here. This time of year can be fun, relaxing, and very special. It can also get a bit stressful. Actually, pets can also be affected by holiday stress. A local vet discusses holiday stress for pets in this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic.
Causes
For people, holiday stress may be caused by things pets don’t have to worry about, like shopping, gift wrapping, finances, packed schedules, and dealing with family drama. Covid, of course, is only adding to that. Pets may not worry about any of that, but they do get uneasy because of schedule disruptions, decorations, company, noises, and travel. Fluffy may be frightened of that singing reindeer, while Fido could be terrified of fireworks and the 10 foot inflatable snowman in the neighbor’s yard.
Signs
Pets can’t tell us when they are anxious, so you’ll need to watch for signs. Cats may hide, over groom themselves, ignore their litterboxes, and/or have tummy trouble. Fluffy may also act more or less affectionate than usual, and her vocalizations may change. Dogs may express stress by digging, chewing, whining, or pacing. Fido may eat things that aren’t food, and he may soil inside the house or go through the trash. It’s worth noting that medical issues can also cause these signs. Have your vet check your furry buddy out, just to make sure there isn’t something more going on.
Helping Your Furry Friend Cope
Do you know or suspect that your pet is stressed? The most important thing to do is pay them some extra attention, and help them feel loved and safe. Toys, treats, ear scritches, and playtime can all help with this. If you leave your four-legged friend home alone while you go to an event, make sure they have plenty of toys to amuse themselves with. It’s also a good idea to leave a radio or TV playing. At night, keep a few lights on as well. If your furry pal is extremely anxious, ask your vet for tips. There are certain products, such as pet-calming sprays, that can help. Crates can also be beneficial for dogs, as they provide pups with cozy, safe littles spaces. As for Fluffy, she may appreciate a kitty tent or condo.Happy Holidays from everyone at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic. Contact us anytime!
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