The holiday season is here, and with that comes many busier-than-normal days and breaks in the household routine. Your homes may be more crowded than usual, or there may be some traveling ahead. While this is a time for joy and fun, it can also bring on some abnormal stress for you and your pet.

Think about how anxious hosting for the holidays can get for you – cleaning, cooking, coordinating, and making sure everyone is comfortable. Try to remember that our pets can get stressed too! Even if they don't have their own uneasiness, they can also pick up on yours.

How can you tell if your dog is feeling holiday angst? Look for signs like:

·      Going potty in the house

·      Chewing up your favorite shoes

·      Excessive barking or whining

·      Aggression

·      Pacing

·      Panting

These signals that your dog is not feeling the holiday hustle and bustle of all the extra people in their home.

These are some ways to soothe their anxiety:

1.     Give them a safe space – Your pup's favorite corner in the living room may not be the best place if you're having a holiday gathering. Take their bedding and favorite toys into a quiet area of your home. Show them that they have a place to retreat when needed.

2.     Plenty of exercise – If a regular routine for your dog is to go out and exercise multiple times a day, make sure that pattern isn't broken. Dogs are creatures of habit, and a break in their schedule could add to the anxiety. Exercise, on the other hand, helps reduce stress levels.

3.     Monitor introducing your dog to new people – If you're having a gathering at home, take charge of introductions. It might be instinct for us to see an adorable dog and immediately want to pet it. Dogs don't always welcome that type of attention from strangers. Try overseeing them meeting your guest.

4.     Give them attention – Make sure you don't slack off on the attention. Sometimes your dog finds comfort in just knowing that their human sees them.

5.     Calming medicine or CBD – if you're taking this route to keep your dog calm, consult your veterinarian.

Be attentive to what your pet is telling you through these times. You're there to support each other – they bring comfort to you and you to them. It's easy to overlook the signals when preparing to enjoy the season but don't forget your fur babies. We hope you guys have a happy holiday season with your loved ones!