Holiday stress hits pets as well

You’ve juggled the big Thanksgiving feast, followed by holiday shopping, travel and decorations. Maybe you’ve already lost your temper a few times, shed a few tears – or you know tension is building.

If you have dogs or cats, don’t be surprised if they act up during the hustle and bustle, pet experts say.

“Recent research has shown how attuned to our behavior pets are – more so than we thought,” said Alabama-based animal behaviorist Larry Myers. “As we get stressed out, the pets get stressed out.”

Myers says stress is caused by disrupted schedules, rearranging the home decor, visits with humans, and visits with other people’s pets. Boredom from lack of attention or mental stimulation can also be a trigger.

The animal experts say treatments are as varied as the pets themselves, and often mirror dealing with a human toddler – put them to bed or behind a baby gate, distract them with a toy, pop in an animal video or find a sitter.

For the most severe cases, vets prescribe anti-anxiety drugs for pets, such as pet versions of Valium or Xanax.

“You can help your pet along by starting early,” said animal trainer and behaviorist Barbara Skalka. “If a pet is scared of packages, put one or two on the floor to get them used to them.”

Don’t scold a frightened animal, Skalka says. Reward it for good behavior, such as approaching the packages. But don’t hand out treats without making a pet work for it, even if it’s a simple command to “sit.” Otherwise, the pet expects it for nothing.

And don’t give in to the parental urge to scoop up a fearful pet and soothe it. That teaches the pet to react fearfully for the positive response of being cuddled.

Animal specialists emphasize that every dog reacts differently to stress, regardless of breed, gender or environment.

“It’s not one size fits all,” Myers said. “Some animals freak out if they are isolated. See if you can supervise them amongst the turmoil. Just like with a child, you have to set limits on them.”

What if you don’t want the guests to see a scene?

“I hereby give people permission to discipline pets in front of company,” Myers said. “It’s important. Keep the behavior of the animals compatible with the people.”

Experts agree that maintaining as much organization as possible will improve human and animal stress.

“The stress mostly comes from a lack of order,” said master dog trainer Ralph Gibson of Ralph Gibson’s World of Dogs in Pelham. “And during the holidays, dogs that are immature, up to 3 or 4 years old, haven’t gone through it enough. With a 1-year-old dog, you’re basically dealing with a 3 1/2-year-old child at Christmas time. They are like babies.”