Creating Happy Holidays For Your Canine Companions and Feline Friends

Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season. From here on in, most of us have schedules simply packed with festive dinner parties, gift exchanges, and guests arriving from near and far to share the special season with us. This can all be wonderful – but it can all cause a lot of stress, for you and for your pets.

The Impact of Stress On Pets

Changes in household routine, disrupting usual schedules, and the introduction of strange people (and sometimes animals) into the home environment can all create stress for our pets. This stress manifests in many ways. Some animals turn the anxiety inward, sometimes shown as excessive grooming. Other pets may become depressed, losing interest in normally fun activities and sleeping more than usual. Finally, some pets handle anxiety by becoming destructive, tearing up the furniture and going to the bathroom indoors.

Hidden Holiday Hazards

Stress is not the only thing to watch out for this holiday season. Common holiday foods, including chocolate candies, macadamia nuts, and raisins can be harmful for dogs. "Sneak treats" from the holiday table are often high in fat and overly spiced for animals, creating gastrointestinal distress. It may be tempting to share your holiday goodies with your pets, but they’ll enjoy the holidays more if you keep them to their accustomed diet.

Holiday decorations can be another source of trouble. Poinsettias, mistletoe and other traditional holiday favorites can poison your pets. Additionally, lit candles, trees full of delicate ornaments, and other decorative items can be chewed upon and swallowed by curious pets. These present a choking and electrocution hazard. You can have all the beauty of the holidays and safe animals, just make sure that everything is displayed safely and securely out of reach. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Maintain Routine for Happy Holiday Pets

Our cats and dogs are, in many ways, creatures of habit. They like to have a routine they can count on. To keep the holiday season as stress free as possible for your animals, maintain routine as much as possible.

Maintaining routine means being fed in a regular place, at regular times. Exercise and play times should remain constant. If the pressures of the holiday season mean your schedule is disrupted and you can’t do what you usually do, consider using a pet walking service. If you can’t get home until much later than usual, your dog will have had exercise, companionship, and dinner.

Dog day care is a fabulous option for those pet owners who want to provide stability and companionship for their canine companions during the holiday season.

A pet sitter is also a great idea if you’re planning to travel over the holiday season. Animals need companionship. Leaving them alone for the weekend or longer while you travel can create stress and anxiety. Regular visits from your pet sitter will ensure that your pet knows that it is loved and cared about, even when you’re away.