12/12/2024
Managing Holiday Pet Anxiety
The holidays are a time of celebration but also a source of anxiety for pets, who thrive on routine.
Here are some common holiday anxiety triggers and tips to help your pet enjoy the festivities with you.
Common anxiety triggers
• Unfamiliar visitors
• Holiday travel
• Schedule changes
• Going to a different home or boarding facility
• Strange decorations
• Increase noise, excitement, and activity
Tips to manage anxiety triggers
• Make sure your pet has access to a quiet room or a kennel/crate
• Ask your guests to leave their pets at home
• Try to keep your pet’s walks and meals at the same time, even when travelling or going to a party
• When travelling by air, consider leaving your pet with a sitter or at a boarding kennel
• Before choosing a boarding facility, take a tour of the facility to make sure that it will be comfortable for your pet
• Before decorating the Christmas tree, give your pet a few days to get used to it
• Place decorations on the top half of the tree and keep it away from launching zones like furniture
Sometimes, even our best efforts can’t prevent pet anxiety during the holidays. Ask your veterinary professional how you can manage your pet’s anxiety during the holidays.
Information provided by Communivet
