HOLIDAYS AND OUR PETS

By: Donna Velardi
www.zodiapet.com

The holidays are supposed to be a fun and joyous time. After all isn’t that what everyone tells us? However, for many people it is a time of stress, depression and anxiety. It is probably the most stressful time of the year. Yet, while attention is given to the humans on this problem, we often forget that our pets are going through the same problem, and why? Because of us, their caregiver.

Animals feed off of our emotions. They realize the climate is changing and not just the weather. They understand that there is more activity in the home and "a different kind of energy" and they feel your stress and anxiety. Normally, when we get depressed or stressed it is for a specific reason, or lasts just a day or two. Our pets pick up on the specific reason such as an illness or problems on the job, etc. and they deal with it accordingly. But this is different.

When the problem is season related, the animal’s anxiety level will elevate because all they know is that their caregiver is upset and they don’t know why. This makes the pet more anxious. Now, the pet’s behavior will change, they may now experience separation anxiety, eating habits could change, they may sleep more or even become more aggressive. Basically, depression, stress and anxiety will manifest itself in ways as it does for people.

This is when you need to spend more time with your pet, reassure them, talk to them and massage them. Play soft music and aromatherapy is very helpful when an animal is stressed. Remember what is good for us is good for them. But more important when you truly start to feel better about yourself you will see an improvement in you pet. You will notice a much happier and healthier pet.

So this holiday season – RELAX and ENJOY!