In 2023, the American Psychological Association uncovered these shocking numbers about stress during the holidays:
· 89% of American adults feel stress.
· 41% reported higher stress levels!
· Even worse, 64% of those living with mental illness felt their stress worsened!
If humans are so stressed out during the holidays, imagine how our sensitive pets feel!
How Human Stress Affects Dogs
Whether we realize it or not, dogs take their cues from us in good times and not-so-good times. Dogs – and other pets – can immediately pick up on how their human is feeling by detecting the odors of stress from the chemical changes in our sweat and breath. In fact, research has shown that our dogs’ cortisol levels (aka the “stress hormone”) usually mirror those of their owners.
In other words, if you are stressed, chances are your dog is too.
While our dogs and pets don’t have to worry about buying the perfect gift or making Grandma’s holiday dinner with all the trimmings, holidays can mean disrupted routines, strangers, decorations, unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells, resulting in a pet becoming anxious or destructive, excessive barking, hiding or hyperactivity (or worse, such as a bite).
What Pet Stress Looks Like
· Dogs: trembling, pacing, panting, hiding, whining, barking, destructive behaviors or trying to escape.
· Cats: Hiding, withdrawing, changes in appetite or litter box issues.
In addition, both dogs and cats may exhibit excessive grooming, excessive vocalizing, or changes in body language, such as tucked tails, ears pinned back, or dilated pupils.
How to Help Your Dog this Holiday Season: 5 Tips
1. If you live with pets, monitor your emotions during the holidays and make time for self-care to reduce your anxiety and stress.
2. Regularly check on your pets and watch for signs of overwhelm or stress.
3. Stick to your pets’ regular routines for exercise, eating and potty breaks. Hire a dog walker or pet sitter if you need help; it will go a long way in keeping your pets calm and happy.
4. Add extra walks or enrichment activities to engage your dog’s mind and body to help them stay calm and happy.
5. Create a quiet and safe space for them (a crate or separated room) to relax with their favorite blanket, bone or enrichment toy during busy holiday celebrations.
Other Common Risks at the Holidays
In addition to monitoring your pets for signs of anxiety or stress, also protect them against other typical holiday risks:
· Dangerous or toxic holiday foods such as grapes, raisins, fatty foods, skin and cooked bones, chocolate and cocoa, spices, alcoholic drinks, raw bread dough, and more.
· Decorations like tinsel, ribbons and bows may cause your pet to choke or create life-threatening blockages from swallowed items.
· Toxic holiday plants, ice melt, lit candles or exposed electrical cords.
· Pet-proof your home, putting any dangerous, risky, or toxic items high out of reach of all pets for their ultimate safety to ensure the holidays are merry and bright!
