Dear Tabby,
We’re going to be so busy this holiday season! The month of December will be chock full of parties, family outings as well as house guests. What can we do to help our pets cope with this disruption to their normal lives?
Ho Ho Holiday Stress in Garden Oaks
Dear Ho Ho Holiday Stress,
December is a crazy month for most everyone. We get so over extended with gift buying, parties and travel that we often forget to check in on our pets and gauge their comfort levels. Animals are (literally) creatures of habit and even a small diversion from their normal routine can cause them to act out, get sick or just generally feel stress and discomfort.
Here are a few things to do to make sure that your pets cope well during the holiday season:
Give them extra love
Even if it’s just some extra snuggle time on the couch, your dog or cat will take great comfort in spending some quiet time with their favorite humans. It doesn’t have to include a full day of TLC time–just a few minutes here and there can greatly benefit your pet’s well-being (as well as your own).
Give them a safe spot
Just like some humans, animals need a place to take a break from the action. If your pet has a favorite spot to hide when they’re feeling scared, maybe consider making that space even more comfortable for them. Adding blankets and soft music to an otherwise cold closet can do wonders for your pet’s mental health. Also, be sure to tell family members to respect your pet’s need for alone time when they’re in their favorite spot.
Consistency is key
I know that this is the biggest challenge during the holidays, but the more consistent you can keep your pet’s schedule, the easier this month will be on him. Even though we’re all so busy, if you can keep up with your regular dog walks this will do you both a world of good. And try to feed him on the same schedule, even if that means ducking out of the work holiday party a little early. Hey, what better excuse to escape the awkward small talk with the boss than a well-timed, “Gosh, would ya look at the time! I need to go home to feed my dog!”
With a little extra care, you can ensure that your pets handle the holidays with ease this year. Perhaps you might even take some of these tips to heart for yourself as we all can use some extra care during the most wonderful time of the year!
Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week
Meet Hazel. This 6-year-old mixed breed gal is the most loving dog on the planet! She knows all of her manners and is a true lady. Hazel adores people and just wants to be as close as possible to all of the humans. Hazel would love to have a family who appreciates what a jewel she is and a new home for the holidays would be the icing on the cake! To learn more about Hazel, visit https://friends4life.org/adoptable-pets/hazel/.
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