How to manage your pets’ heightened anxiety these holidays

As Christmas and New Year fast approaches, people are starting to socialise more. However, considering that we are smack-bang in the middle of a pandemic, most of that socialising will take the form of small gatherings at home, which may be great for you, but not so much fun for your pets. 

You may find yourself having to chop, change and reset your plans quite often this festive season, but don’t forget to count your pets into your plans and make arrangements for them as well. 

Whether you’re going to be hosting friends and family, going on holiday, or having your furry family members stay at a kennel or the cattery while you’re away, it’s important to keep in mind that these changes may affect them.

Dr Guy Fyvie, Veterinary Advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition says that all of these changes, along with loud events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, can cause your pets to become extremely anxious. 

Due to the fact that their hearing is far sharper and much more sensitive than ours, dogs and cats may be affected negatively by loud noises – even if they occur quite a fair distance away from your home. These loud sounds could trigger an anxious reaction. 

Hills has developed a pet stress test that you can use to identify whether your pet is anxious and nervous. 

Fyvie also recommends looking out for the following signs of anxiety in your dog or cat’s behaviour:

Hiding, bowel and bladder accidents (potentially with change in faecal consistency), excessive panting, inability to settle down, shaking, yawning, excessive licking or chewing, attempting to escape their environment and barking and howling more excessively than usual. 

“There are also a few changes around the home that pet parents can make to help their pets during this stressful time,” said Fyvie.  

He went on to recommend the following changes:

• Keeping familiar noises or sounds playing in the house, such as the TV and some background music. “The more it seems like an everyday, normal situation, the better.”

• Create a comfortable, smaller space in the house for your dog or cat to retreat to when they’re feeling anxious. “As a distraction from any loud noises, provide them with a tasty chew toy.”

• Keep outside noises and bright lights (like fireworks) at bay by closing the windows, doors, and curtains at home.

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• For outdoor cats who come and go as they please, rather place a litter tray inside and close the doors and the cat flap, so they can’t go outside that evening.

• If you can’t stay at home with your pets, have someone else they trust there to calm and reassure them – the fewer changes during this time the better.

In this regard, Fyvie said it is always best to introduce the pet sitter to the pets before the pet parents leave.  “If possible, the pet parents should introduce the pets to the pet sitter, so that the pets can become familiar with the sitter.”

“If you’re dropping your pet off at the kennel or cattery for the holidays, send them with their bed, favourite chew toy and blankie to bring them comfort. This way the change of environment won’t be as dramatic and stressful for them,” concluded Fyvie. 

Compiled by Kaunda Selisho