Recognizing Holiday Stress in Your Dog
December 14, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Holidays & Your Dog, Tips
We all know the holidays can be stressful on us…but what about our dogs?
Dogs get holiday stress, too.
“A routine and familiar environment is important to most dogs and cats,” says William Craig, DVM, Chief Medical and Underwriting Director of PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance. “During the holidays pets may suffer from the constant changes taking place in their territory. There are new objects to explore, like holiday decorations, new plants and tempting foods to investigate. Being mindful of how your pet may react can make the season pleasant for everyone.”
Signs of Stress:
- Hyper-salivation or drooling
- Soiling the pet owner’s belongings
- Chewing or scratching at doors or crate
- Non-stop howling or barking (or meowing for cats)
- Compulsive grooming or licking
- Tearing up furniture or pushing items off counters
What to Do
How can you help your dog relieve–or even avoid–holiday stress? Be sure to:
- maintain a normal leash / walking schedule
- give positive reinforcement with praise and treats for appropriate behavior
With a little extra consideration, your dog can enjoy this time of year and take part in the family fun–without stress. After all, that’s what the holidays are all about, right?
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