Even though Christmas is over, the start of the New year can be a stressful time; organising and hosting celebrations, entertaining children during the holidays, battling the busy shops when getting ready for the new school year etc. For our pets it is also a time that can bring on stress and anxiety. Here are some tips to prepare your pets for the busy season ahead.
Dogs and cats are animals of routine. Stress is induced when routines change. Keep your pets routine as close to ‘normal’ as possible over the festive holidays, with their wake up, bed time and feeding times, and continuing regular exercise and play times.
For dogs that get very excited when guests arrive, try exercising him/her prior to festivities starting and use food based environmental enrichment toys to keep them entertained throughout the day to avoid them becoming a nuisance to guests. Ask your guests to not make a fuss over your excited dog as they arrive. Instead, have your guests ignore your dog and only reward with their attention once he/she have calmed down.
For dogs and cats that become frightened and overwhelmed when quests arrive, avoid having your worried dog present to greet guests. Unusual activities and commotion can cause extra stress. Ensure your pet has a safe, quiet room to relax with their favourite bed and hide away from the excitement. Play calm meditation music to drown out the noise of the festivities.
Although it can be the last thing to think about, take a moment to notice your pet’s behaviour so you can put strategies in place to help make them feel more comfortable.
Veterinary Nurse Kirstie Hancock is qualified in animal behaviour with her Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services through the Delta Society. She has lots of great tips and ideas when it comes to misbehaving pets. Keep an eye out for her monthly tips on our Facebook page. Also check out her own business Facebook page - Positive Paws.
Archived previous tips:
December 2020 blog article - Let's stay safe this Christmas
November 2020 blog article - Travelling with your pets
October 2020 blog article - Urine Marking
September 2020 blog article - Puppy Training
August 2020 blog article - Time to talk about teeth for Dental Month
July 2020 blog article - Dog Dementia
June 2020 blog article - Diet
February 2020 blog article - Heart Disease
January 2020 blog article - Summer parasites
December 2019 blog article - Christmas and NYE Festivities
November 2019 blog article - Parasite Control
October 2019 blog article - Toilet training
September 2019 blog article - Skin & allergies
August 2019 blog article - Lets talk muzzles
July 2019 blog article - How diet and obesity affects behaviour
June 2019 blog article - Teaching old dogs new tricks
May 2019 blog article - Arthritis
April 2019 blog article - Behaviour
March 2019 blog article – Behaviour
February 2019 blog article – Separation anxiety
January 2019 blog article – Summer Survival / Ears
December 2018 blog article – Christmas and holiday safety
November 2018 blog article - Vaccinations & Parasite Control
October 2018 blog article - Cat behaviour
September 2018 blog article - Skin & allergies
August 2018 blog article - Dental Month
July 2018 blog article - Cat Obesity
June 2018 blog article - Winter time
May 2018 - Senior Pets / Eye Care
April 2018 - Endocrine Disease
March 2018 blog article - Easter camping
February 2018 blog article - Heart health