Holidays can be stressful for dogs. Here’s how to tackle it

By Lauren Kent, CNN

All of these holiday greetings and happy reunions are part of the fun of December, but it may not be as much fun for your dog.

Holiday hustle and bustle can cause stress and anxiety in pets, especially if you have a home full of guests or new faces. Unknown people, loud noises, and new environments can cause fear-related anxiety in dogs, according to The American Kennel Club.

Dogs may also experience anxiety about being separated from their family, being left alone, or moving into a new home. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind if your vacation plans involve traveling or adopting a new pet.

“It’s normal to expect a change in the behavior of our dogs or cats during this time of year,” said Dr. Jose Arce, president of the American Veterinary Association. “And it’s important that we recognize some of the signs of anxiety so that we can do something about it.”

As the holiday season approaches, here’s what experts say you need to look for and tips to keep your pets calm.

What behavior to look for

Panting, rhythm, aggression, excessive barking, drooling, destruction, and having accidents at home can all be signs of anxiety. So can restlessness and not eating at a regular time. Paying attention to body language (for example, a dog pulling its ears back or showing the whites of its eyes) can also indicate fear.

This behavior could be a one-time event or a long-term issue that requires a visit to a veterinarian, according to veterinarians and animal behaviorists who spoke to CNN.

Some signs of stress are often misunderstood as excitement or joy by pet owners, experts say. Dogs can get hooked when they are anxious and can stay close to their owners or even try to approach new people in order to distrust them, according to Rosie Bescoby, an animal clinical behaviorist and spokeswoman for that of the United Kingdom Association of Pet Behavior Advisors.

Hyperactivity is another sign of animal stress that people may misinterpret as having a good time with your pet.

Give your dog a safe space

The most important thing dog owners can do is make sure their pet has a place to relax if visitors and unfamiliar faces become too busy.

“Whether you’re celebrating alone or with a large family, it’s important to provide a safe and quiet place for your pets so they can escape the excitement,” Arce said.

It’s important to remember that what can be fun for human visitors can be overwhelming for pets. During the holiday season, Arce suggested keeping a quiet room for your dog and leaving the TV on, which acts as a comforting white noise. Monitoring dogs regularly also helps relieve stress.

Pets are not always good at managing their own emotions, experts say, so it’s a good idea to make sure your dog takes a break from the excitement even though he seems to be enjoying the new company.

Veterinarians also suggest not moving your pet’s bed during the holidays and not rearranging the furniture to fit a Christmas tree in the house; these changes can affect a dog’s perception of the safety of its environment.

Keep up the good work

“Dogs are creatures of habit and develop with a good routine,” said Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian. per The American Kennel Club. “We also know that dogs” capture “the feelings of their owners.”

This means that if you feel the stress of planning your party, welcoming guests, or traveling, your dog will probably feel the same way. Klein suggests that you make sure your dog does a lot of exercise before any meeting and introduce the guests to the dog slowly.

It’s also a good idea to walk your dog as usual at Christmas and other holidays and make the most of this quiet part of the day, Bescoby added. The same advice applies to maintaining your dog’s eating routine.

“Something punctual is fine for Christmas Day, but overall, I suggest staying with the same food,” Bescoby said, adding that the best kind of gift for a dog is a chew toy or a toy. article that keeps them going. busy and seated during the holiday bustle.

Training is key

For dogs that experience problems when separated from their owners, a simple workout can help.

Teaching a dog to sit and stay is an essential preparation for leaving them alone at home, said Dr. Katherine Houpt, Professor Emeritus of Animal Behavior at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

If your dog gets anxious when you leave, he suggests that you teach him to sit and stay while you leave the room for a few seconds at a time. Your dog will learn to always come back and you can gradually increase the time your dog sits while out of sight. Going down when you go out and get home can also help train dogs to be less anxious, Houpt said.

“You don’t want this to be the high point of dog day,” Houpt said. “So when you come in, pretend you don’t have a dog … until he’s calm, you shouldn’t pay any direct attention to him.”

The American Kennel Club suggests that you talk to your veterinarian or certified trainer about basic obedience training before stressful vacation situations arise.

Medications can help, but ask your veterinarian

For pets with prolonged anxiety, it is a good idea to talk to a veterinarian. Prescription anxiety medications can help, especially when traveling, but it is important to remember that no two dogs are alike and a veterinarian should be consulted about prescriptions and dosages.

Pheromone products and CBD oil can also help soothe animals, experts say, but they recommend consulting a veterinarian before giving anything to your pet.

“The use of CBD to treat anxiety is anecdotal, as there is no scientific evidence of its correct dose for dogs or its effects. In addition, CBD products are not yet regulated, ie consistency and purity are not always validated, ”Klein said. “Your veterinarian can help you determine if CBD oil can be a good treatment for your dog’s anxiety, as well as talk about different products, possible side effects, and risks.”

Other products on the market can also help anxious dogs, such as heavy blankets. Maple said the blankets against the throne won’t cause any harm in trying, but they may not help all dogs.

Adopt responsibly

Moving environments can also cause dogs to experience stress and fear.

“For many dogs, this may be their first holiday meeting with people‘ outside ’, as many were adopted or bought in the last 18 months during the pandemic,” Klein said. “Additional sounds, people and smells can contribute to anxiety in some dogs.”

Experts say it’s important to make it as easy as possible for pets to get into a new home. If you already have a pet at home, it is helpful to introduce the new dog into neutral territory, such as outside on a walk. The same concept applies to visiting dogs with friends or family.

Klein also pointed out that anxious dogs can try to jump in or run away from home, so it’s a good idea to make sure all pets have a permanent identification, such as a microchip with up-to-date owner information.

“Make sure that if you give away a pet (as a gift) for Christmas which is something you’ve been researching for a while, you don’t make an impulsive decision,” Arce added. “This is a responsibility for life.”