Tips for happy pets at Christmas
BRITAIN’S drugThe following advice has been issued by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors to help Christmas remain a happy time for both owners and pets.
Christmas can be a very disruptive and stressful time for some pets. The house fills with lots of people, or else the owners are busy partying and away for long periods of time. Whilst some pets enjoy the hustle and bustle and lots of attention, others can become extremely stressed and find it difficult to cope. These stressed pets may resort to aggression if they feel cornered and cannot get away, so it is important that owners consider their pets’ needs during the Christmas period.
* The house gets filled with decorations, a Christmas tree and furniture is often moved around. Cats are particularly sensitive to changes in their home environment and may start to spray to make themselves feel secure. The spare bedroom, where the cat may normally go and hide when it is frightened, is often being used by visitors – so it has nowhere to go to feel safe. Don’t expect your pet to like parties and lots of disruption.
Providing a cat or dog with a safe, quiet place it can retreat to can prevent many problems. This is particularly important if the dog or cat is not used to children. Toddlers and young children can pester animals and if adults don’t notice what is going on this can lead to the dog snapping or the cat scratching at the child in desperation. If in doubt, keep them apart.
* Routines tend to get disrupted – try to stick to normal feeding and exercise routines. Dogs that are well exercised are less likely to get over-excited. Avoid giving your pet over-rich Christmas food as it may upset its digestion.
* If you are having party-poppers, Christmas Crackers or indoor fireworks ensure that your pet is out of the room and out of ear-shot if it is sound sensitive.
n If you are having a party and your pet is not used to lots of people place it in a quiet room, which can be locked so that no visitors can accidentally let it out. If this is not possible, think about putting it in kennels/cattery overnight.
* Do not leave your pet unattended around the Christmas tree – or other areas where there are lots of interesting objects. Dogs can be tempted by presents and chocolates on the tree. Accidents arising from pets ingesting foreign bodies such as decorations, tinsel, nuts in the shell and small plastic toys are very high over the Christmas period. Cats that are stressed may spray up the Christmas tree.
* Whilst Christmas is meant to be time of cheer and goodwill, many families get stressed with preparations and, if combined with too much Christmas ‘spirit’, this can lead to arguments which can cause anxiety in pets. Equally, guests who may have had a bit too much to drink can behave in an erratic manner which may frighten your pet.
* Do not feed your dog, or allow your dog to have access to stealing chocolate as it is poisonous. Chocolate contains a stimulant, theobromine, which dogs are unable to metabolise and they are therefore extremely sensitive to its effects.
Symptoms of serious poisoning include trembling and convulsions and can occur after a dog has eaten only a small amount of chocolate. In some cases death can occur – so keep chocolates locked away or well out of reach.
* If you are having friends to stay, who may not be used to pets, have a chat with them before they arrive to tell them the best way to interact with your pet.
* If your visitors are bringing their own dog, it is best that they meet your dog on neutral ground before coming into the home. Arrange to meet them at a local park so that the dogs can get used to each other.
* There are two products, available from your vet that can help to keep your dog or cat relaxed. DAP, for dogs, and Feliway, for cats, are available as plug-in diffusers and sprays and reproduce natural pheromones which may re-assure your pet. These last for 4 weeks and would need to be plugged-in in early December in the room that your pet uses the most, or next to their bed.
* Some dogs find it difficult to cope with being left on their own again, when their owners return to work after being constantly at home for a week or two. To try and overcome this problem, periodically during the Christmas period, place your dog in another room away from you with a chew or bone to occupy it, so that it realises it cannot always be with you.
* If you are going away, ensure that your cat has plenty of litter trays as otherwise it may lead to a house-soiling problem.
* If you are leaving your dog alone for longer than normal, leave it with a chew or a food activity toy so that it has something to do. It can help to leave a radio or TV on so that it is not too quiet.
* If making a long journey with your pets over Christmas, be prepared for all eventualities. Have plenty of water and check that your breakdown cover will also transport pets. Make plenty of toilet and exercise breaks for your dog.
*If your pet has behaviour problems that you are worried about contact a qualified Behaviour Counsellor sooner rather than later. Problems are rarely solved overnight and may take several months. The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) offers the highest professional standards of pet behaviour advice and many pet insurance companies will cover behaviour consultation costs with an APBC Member.
If you are worried about your pet speak to your vet in the first instance to check that there is not a medical reason for the behaviour problem. Your nearest APBC Member can be found by looking at the UK clinic map on the APBC web site www.apbc.org.uk or call 01386 751151.
