When it comes to winter holidays many of us enjoy going to parties or gathering with family and friends. When celebrating the season it’s also important to remember your pets during the hustle and bustle. Some dogs and cats suffer from anxiety disorders, while others can have a sensitivity to loud noises. Holiday festivities can trigger these problems and sometimes lead to negative behaviors. We have included some ways to keep the holidays less stressful for your pets.

Visitors and groups of people can upset dogs and cats. Even pets that aren’t normally shy may become nervous with the noise and excitement that accompany a holiday gathering. A Room of Their Own: Give your pet their own quiet space to retreat to. Make sure your pet has a room or crate somewhere away from the commotion, where your guests won’t follow, that it can go to anytime it wants to get away.

Traveling is a common source of tension for pets. Car rides may cause animals to become nervous and sometimes carsick, making it unpleasant for both you and your pets. If you are leaving for an extended period of time or going out of town, you may choose to board or kennel your pets. Some pets experience anxiety and distress when separated from their owners. Make considerations and plans in advance for your pets when traveling, especially for those with separation anxiety. 

New Year’s Noise: Many pets are scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches. Animals that have firework anxiety react negatively to other loud noises as well. Keep in mind that common party items and celebrations can cause your pet to become anxious and fearful. These may include party poppers, party horns, and balloon popping. Learn more about holiday pet safety.

Medication For Anxiety

For some dogs and cats, these methods won’t be enough to ease or rid them of their anxiety. If you find yourselves in that position, consult with your veterinarian and get an assessment to find out if medication is appropriate for your pet. VetRxDirect offers a variety of anxiety medications and supplements.

Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant medication. It works with certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced. It is commonly used to treat certain behavior disorders in dogs and cats such as anxiety. Fluoxetine is available in tablets or capsules. Compounded oral suspension or transdermal gel is also available.

 

 

Zylkene is a natural way to soothe your pet. It helps discourage behavioral problems that stem from stress including improper urination, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior. This nutritional supplement is made from a special milk protein with peptides that can impact the brain receptors that cause stress. It has a calming effect on dogs and cats without causing sleepiness.

 

Have you used a medication to treat your pet’s anxiety?