As the end of the year approaches, many people begin preparing for holiday celebrations with family and friends. The season often brings busy schedules, parties, and plenty of planning. When making holiday plans, do not forget about your pets. Hectic schedules can make it harder to give them the exercise and play they are used to. Parties can be stressful for pets with new visitors, loud noises, and increased activity. Changes in routine, such as kids being home from school or evening holiday gatherings, can also be confusing and overwhelming.
Set realistic expectations and make plans ahead of time for pets during the holidays. Images courtesy of Laura Ansel, DVM
How to Plan Ahead for Pets During the Holidays
Set up a quiet space where your pet can escape parties, visitors, and loud noises like fireworks. Provide enrichment such as chew toys, food puzzles, calming music, or white noise to help them relax.
Ensure your pet has proper identification, such as a collar with tags or a microchip. Many pets get lost during holiday travel or when visitors come and go.
If you are traveling and your pet is not joining you, reserve a boarding space or book a pet sitter well in advance. Visit the facility or introduce the sitter to your pets before your trip.
If your pet is traveling with you, book pet-friendly accommodations. Bring familiar items to help your pet feel comfortable.
When traveling, pack enough food and medications for your pet. If you are worried about how travel or holiday stress will affect your pet, talk to your veterinarian about possible medications or supplements.
Question:My dog is afraid of getting weighed when he goes in for his annual exam. What can I do?
Many dogs are anxious and fearful when asked to get up on the scale, often the first thing they are asked to do in the veterinary office. Whether it is the scale's location, the activities happening nearby, or the scale itself, there are several ways to avoid causing this initial stress, allowing for a more relaxed appointment overall.
If your dog refuses to get on the scale, do not force them. Forcing a dog to interact with an object that frightens them creates unnecessary stress, escalates their fear, anxiety, and stress, and worsens their aversion to the scale in the future. Rough estimates of your dog’s weight can be made to provide prompt medical care.
If your dog is hesitant about the scale, try luring them with a treat trail or scatter, a lickable mat with peanut butter or cheese, or a favorite toy. If the scale is in a corner and can be moved, suggest moving it to the middle of the room to allow your dog to move freely around it. Metal scales are slippery and shiny, often causing dogs to scramble, so placing a bath mat, a yoga mat, or a blanket over the scale can help make it seem less novel and provide better traction.
Use patterns to ask your dog to put “paws up” or use targeting to move the dog closer to the scale. Some dogs may follow their person onto the scale, allowing veterinary staff to weigh both and subtract the person’s weight. There are many ways to build engagement and trust to obtain an accurate weight for your dog, but struggling to force them onto the scale is not one of them.
If you have any questions you would like answered by the Low Stress Handling® Team, please send us an email.
