We’re approaching the time of year where everyone in the family gets busy with social engagements, shopping, cleaning, and holiday get together planning. The closer we get to Christmas, the less time we have to relax and spend time with our companion animals.From the perspective of our cat, dog, bird, horse, or hamster, Thanksgiving or Christmas is just another day. Sure, we may give our pets a special treat and there may be more visitors in our home at this time of the year. Outdoor things like trees and pine cones [that we normally tell them NOT to bring in the house] suddenly appear in the house. They really don’t understand why we are more stressed and less available to them. As a result, they may react to our lack of availability and heighten stress in several different ways.Some animals may react by having accidents in the house, or by not using the litter box consistently. Others may become more anxious when we leave, and more demanding of attention when we do occasionally sit down to breathe for a few minutes. Cats may view the Christmas tree as a new climbing toy. Male dogs may not be able to distinguish between trees outdoors and trees indoors when urinating.In short, our companion animals sense when we are nervous or stressed and they react to it based on their individual personalities. Here are some suggestions we give our clients to help their pets get through the holiday season:
- Set aside focused time for each pet every day – even if it is only 5 minutes a day. This will be time that you connect with them and focus totally on them, whether it be just sitting and petting them or going for a walk with them. The key is to be present and focused on THEM for that period of time.
- Tell each pet how important they are to you, even when you’re busy!
- Give each pet a job for the holiday season. For example, if you are having young children over, your friendly family dog could have the job of staying with the children and watching over them. Be sure to have an adult in the room at all times as well to assist the dog!
- If your pet tends to not like noise and confusion, consider allowing them to be in another room when having people over, especially if it’s going to get noisy or if there will be a lot of coming and going.
- If you are going to be gone for a few days, be sure to tell your pet that you will be back, and in how many days. If your animal has been abandoned or a stray, this is especially important!
- Be very focused on safety at this time of year. If you have dogs, please don’t leave dark chocolate lying around. Be mindful of when opening doors or gates so that dogs and cats don’t get loose.
- If you’re considering a puppy or kitten as a present for someone, please consider doing so after the holiday season is over so that they will have time to spend with the new addition.
We wish everyone a joyous and peaceful holiday season!
