The holidays can be a tough time for your furry friends. Even if they don’t know what to expect or understand what is going on, the hustle and bustle of the season can cause them stress and anxiety. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help ease the stress and anxiety in your pets’ lives.
Stress indicators to look out for in dogs include acting more clingy than usual, seeming unable to settle or rest, pacing around, or licking their paws incessantly. Extreme stress indicators can include gastrointestinal upset, cowering, shaking, and extreme panting. For cats, the symptoms can look slightly different. They may begin to hide away from you and may fail to use their litter box as they normally would. If you think your pets are feeling some seasonal stress, don’t despair. Read on for some ways you can help to reduce their stress and anxiety.
Try to Be Home with Your Pets as Much as Possible
During the holidays, your pets might feel anxious and stressed out, whether it’s due to the increase in human activity, the new scents and sounds, or the lack of routine. The holidays can make your pet feel anxious, and they may become more prone to separation anxiety. Although it is important to have a balance between family time and your pets, you should try to be home with your pets as much as possible during the holiday season. If you can’t be home, try to plan and ensure a friend, family member, or neighbor can check in on them, take them out for a walk, and spend some time giving them some fuss and cuddles.
Try CDB Supplements
Sometimes, holiday prep and obligations, such as traveling and having guests, can be out of your control, so you’ll need to find an alternative method to deal with your dog’s stress or anxiety. A great, simple, and safe way to do this is by incorporating CBD dog treats into your pet’s diet. CDB treats include calming compounds that will leave your pet feeling its best. Ensure to opt for products that are organic and made with natural ingredients.
Try to Give Your Pets Some Peace and Quiet
If your home is likely to be full of guests and people coming and going, ensure you have a safe space in your home where your pets can retreat to. This should be somewhere your pets already enjoy relaxing, such as a bedroom. Ensure your pet has access to everything they’ll need in this safe space, like food and water, along with some home comforts, such as toys and cozy blankets.
Keep Them Occupied
Another simple way to help relieve any anxiety your pets may be feeling is to keep them occupied. This could mean taking them on a longer walk than usual, so they will sleep more during the afternoon, or ensuring they have a wide range of treats and chews to occupy them. If your dog is uninterested in chews or bones, you can try opting for an interactive toy. There is a wide range of interactive toys available for cats too.
Remember, the holidays should be an enjoyable time for the whole family, including your pets, so try to include these simple steps into your holiday routine to avoid any unnecessary stressors. If you feel your pets are showing extreme symptoms of stress and anxiety, it’s important to contact your veterinarian.
