Why Pets Act Naughty Over The Holidays

Sometimes pets can “act out” at the worst possible times. It can be so frustrating when you are having company, only to find out that Fido had an accident on the carpet or got into the trash and made a big mess. Pets feel the stress of the holidays just like we do. They are creatures of habit and like their regular routine to feel balanced. New people in the house, being left alone, different sounds and movements can give them anxiety! Whatever way possible, do all you can to keep your pet’s feeding schedule and exercise routine as close to normal as you can. A routine helps pets feel safe and reduces the likelihood of destructive behavior during this busy time. 

4 Pet Etiquette Tips To Remember Over The Holidays

The holidays are a time when many of us will open up our homes to family and friends. Blending pets with guests can require some finesse.  Here are some tips for a happy, holiday visit.

1.)   Get your dog bathed or groomed.  It will make them feel extra special and eliminate any "doggy" odors.

2.)   Be sure to potty your dog before guests arrive.  Pets can get overly excited and/or nervous when new people arrive and have unwanted accidents.  Also, be sure to clean the kitty litter boxes.  This will keep your cats happy and minimize stress for them.

3.)  If your pet has a tendency to bark or jump on guests, then it might be helpful to separate them into another room before your guests arrive and then introduce them slowly (when they are calmed down) into the situation. It may also be helpful to get them very tired beforehand...a long walk can often do the trick.

4.)  Be sure to keep your guest's belongings in a separate area safe from pesky paws. Pets can be very inquisitive and get into things they shouldn't. Your guest's bags may contain dangerous items ( medications, gum, candy, etc.) in their belongings and it is important to keep them far out of reach as they maybe toxic for your pet.

5 Tips To Ease Your Pet's Holiday Stress

The holiday season is here and with it comes a whirlwind of activities. Your plans may include hosting parties and family gatherings or traveling across the miles to see family and friends. As you enjoy the season’s activities,  it is easy to let routines slip. Unbeknownst to you, this change of routine might be causing your pet to experience stress and anxiety. Pets are creatures of habit and notice far more than you think!  This is often why pet owners end up spending some holiday time at the emergency veterinary hospital.  You might notice that your pet displays nervous hyperactivity, excessive chewing, irritability, accidents in the house or  physical symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.   By anticipating the stress that can come with the holidays, you can plan ahead, keep your pet's routine as normal as possible and hopefully avoid any mishaps.  

You can help ease your pet’s stress during the holidays with these 5 simple tips:

Stick to your routine - Try to maintain your pet's normal routine as much as possible.  Our pets are creatures of habit and they may become anxious if there is a sudden change in their feeding schedule, exercise routine, bedtime or place to sleep (ex:  when Aunt Bessie takes over the guest room where you dog likes to sleep).

Make sure to maintain your regular exercise schedule - Exercise can help release energy and reduce anxiety. It will also release endorphins to help with restlessness and irritability.  Using Psystabil can help too. It is a natural calming formula that can help your pet “cope” better with triggers that cause anxiety.

Give your pet plenty of attention - We all get busy during the holiday season, but remembering to give your pet extra attention can go a long way to helping your pet feel calm and safe.

Provide a safe space - Regardless if you are traveling or having guests in your home, it important for your pet to have a safe place. Try to plan and determine the best location especially if your pet is used to relaxing in an area where guests will now be residing. 

Plan Ahead With Treats And Don't Change Their Diet - While it is tempting to give your pet a “treat” during the holidays, it can also cause a lot of unwanted problems and result in an emergency veterinary visit.  Be careful about where desserts and goodies are stored.  Keep trash tightly closed.  It's so easy for pets to get into things when you are busy entertaining guests.   Plan ahead with treats so that you have ample supply of your pet's regular treats on hand.  Keep Soothing Digestive Relief and Power Probiotic  on hand.  These formulas provide immediate relief for discomfort and help with diarrhea, indigestion, tummy rumbling and soft stool.