Some folks enjoy a simple yuletide; others dive enthusiastically into every facet of the holidays. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: good cheer abounds in the month of December. However, it’s not all eggnog and Christmas carols – especially for your four-legged friend.
While you’re toasting the bounty of the holiday season, your pet could be teetering close to the edge. To cope with holiday pet stress, consider the following tips.
The Great Unknown
While you’re busy moving furniture or stowing away your pet’s favorite things (toys, blankets, etc.) to make room for guests, your pet may become stressed and anxious. Every knock at the door can begin to upset even the most mellow pet, and for a pet who’s sensitive to change, frequent new visitors can be downright overwhelming.
Safety First!
If your pet has proven success with positive reinforcement training, it may be worthwhile to include him or her in your holiday affair. However, with so many potential risks – from toxic plants to poisonous holiday foods – you may encourage your pet to stay in an area away from the noise and unpredictability. Providing a quiet, cozy space with his or her favorite items and fresh water can prevent problems and safety concerns.
Worrisome Behaviors
Holiday pet stress may bring about certain behaviors you’ve never seen before or haven’t observed in a long time. We recommend Perfect Paws Pet Training if your pet displays any of the following behaviors:
- Jumping on guests
- Counter surfing for delicious holiday fare
- Barking relentlessly
- General destructiveness
While honing the special bond between you and your pet, Jean Nohle and her staff employ positive training techniques to teach and reinforce good behavior.
Addressing Holiday Pet Stress
If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, it’s a good idea to go for a nice walk
outside or a vigorous workout beforehand. This can burn excess energy, lower blood pressure, and help your pet maintain a calm demeanor. Remember, stressed or anxious pets have a proclivity for running away, so update microchip information and check for secure identification tags.
If none of these options seem viable for your pet, please give us a call. Sometimes, it’s better for a stressed pet to spend a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Our high-quality boarding facility can offer a quiet, comfortable respite from the chaos at home.
We’d love to help you cope with holiday pet stress, so please contact us with any questions or concerns.
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, safe, and stress-free holiday!