Canine and Feline Stress

During the holiday season, you may notice many of your pet dog or cat’s behavioral issues worsen. You may also notice an increase in the stress level of your pets as well. This week we will be discussing what you can do during the holidays, or any time when there ill be a large number of people around, to minimize the stress on your pets, and deal with behavioral issues.
Keep in mind most behavioral issues will need a multi-faceted approach to obtain the best results.

• Feline Holiday Stress

Felines: hiding, decreased socialness, decreased appetite, refusing to use the litter box if in a high traffic area or urinating outside of the litter box, upper respiratory infections due to stress causing a compromised immune system, aggression if cornered or forced to be handled.

Follow a few simple rules to try and reduce stress for your felines

1. Let your cat(s) decide what they want! Cats do not do well when forced into situations. If your cat seeks out the attention of your guests, then the interaction will not be stressful. However, if your cat is shy, or is trying to hide do not force them to interact with your guests. Do not allow your guests (especially young children) to pick up, hug, pet, or try and force your cat to play if they obviously do not want this interaction! Cats normally only resort to aggression when cornered or forced into a situation, and people can get hurt when trying to force a cat to be affectionate or playful.

2. Take the time to create a space for your cat(s) with a litter box, food, water, and comfy spot to lay. If there is an area your cat(s) normally hide such as a closet, specific room, or basement let them stay where they like to hide and restrict access of your guests to that area and place water, food, and a easily accessible litter box.

3. Spend extra time with your cat(s) once your guests leave. Once the commotion is over, your cat may seem either extra clingy, or may not come out for a little while. Follow your cat’s lead! If you cat is seeking out extra attention, give them a little loving! If your cat(s) wants to continue to hide, let them go and decide when they are ready.

4. Make sure your cat(s) is healthy and up to date on vaccines to reduce the risk of stress causing a compromised immune system and occurrence of disease. As well, make sure they are on a flea and tick preventative. Even if your house does not have fleas, one of your guests that is also a pet owner could transfer fleas into your house.

Canines: Aggression (usually fear based), food aggression, hyperactivity, tai down, dilated pupils, increased clinginess, hiding, vocalizing/whining, shaking, yawning, panting, loss of bowel/bladder control and destructive behavior.

Follow a few simple rules to reduce stress for your dog

1. Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If your dog is shaking, urinating, panting, whining, or constantly trying to hide or be around you, they are more than likely nervous. Do not force them to stay around people and/or small children if it makes them uncomfortable. Find a quiet room/area and provide toys, food, water, bed and/or crate to create a relaxing environment.

2. Pay attention to your dog’s reaction to strangers. If you know your dog has a tendency to become nippy with strangers or small children, do not allow your dog around your guests. If your dog does not have a history of aggression, but seems overwhelmed by the number of people, pay close attention to their body language. Signs of aggression/nervousness include a stiff body, raising of the hair on the back, showing of the teeth, growling, lowering of the head, ears back, and defensive stance.

3. Do not allow your guests to feed your dog(s). This will completely eliminate the possibility of food aggression and also eliminate the possibility of intestinal issues.

4. Try and make the experience a positive one for your dog(s). Reward your dog(s) for positive interactions, before people come over, and after they leave for good behavior. Try and keep the routine of the day the same, making sure not to neglect their normal dinner and walk times.

5. Socialize your dog. Many times behavioral issues that arise during the holidays are not seen throughout the year due to lack of socialization. Make sure to socialize your dog around people all year round to desensitize them to people.

Any behavioral abnormalities are most appropriately evaluated by your veterinarian. He or she will rule out medical reasons and form a behavior modification plan that works for you and your pet. A number of different behavior modification tools can be used to achieve your desired result of a relaxed pet. Below are a few simple things that you can try, or talk to your veterinarian about:

Exercise: Make sure you pet has plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Pent up energy can become released in anxiousness, aggression, hyperactivity, and destructive behavior. A routine exercise schedule will make sure your pet is healthy, happy, and calmer when in excitable situations

Pheromone products: Pheromones are chemicals released by an animal that are detected by a specific organ in the same species to convey a specific feeling. Scientists have been able to isolate the specific pheromone released by the mother cat or dog, sensed by the puppy and kitten, that creates a feeling of relaxation. There are a number of sprays, diffusers, and collars that can be used such as Nuturecalm in addition to other behavior modification tools to result in overall stress reduction.

Supplements: There are a number of safe supplements that utilize natural ingredients and effective proven substances to result in decreased stress such as the product Anxitane. Like the other products, this is best utilized in conjunction with a comprehensive behavior modification plan created by you and your veterinarian together.

Training: Dogs and cats can benefit from training. Training is not only a way to teach your pet how you would like them to behave, but to stimulate their minds and create a goal for their behavior. Clicker training, desensitization towards people, positive reward systems, and a recommendation from your veterinarian for a reputable trainer may all help the overall goal of behavior modification.

Animal behavior is a complex topic. All serious behavior concerns or questions should be directed at your veterinarian as they are your most reputable source for medical advice and behavior modification tools. Serious canine aggression should be addressed immediately with help from professionals. Please do not hesitate to call Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital to discuss any concerns or ask any questions at 725-8117. We hope this postings have provided some useful information!

Dr. Santspree, Audrey LVT, Jen, LVT