Busy seasons like the start of school, holidays and company can impact both people and pets alike. Your dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animal friends will absolutely notice the changes in routine, household activity, travel, visitors, and noise. Even a festive event like winter holidays or family gatherings with your pets’ favorite people can still increase their stress. That kind of stress doesn’t always just fade away when the busy season is done. Your pet’s stress can also impact their mobility, recovery, behavior, appetite, and sleep. These issues are especially hard on senior pets and those that have chronic health conditions or are recovering from an injury.
Our team at CARA treats pets at all stages of life, including during the busy seasons of life. Here are some of our tips for giving your pet the extra support they need.
Watch for Early Signs of Stress In Your Pets
Your pets usually show signs of stress during busy times of the year that you might mistake for other symptoms. For example, increased barking doesn’t necessarily mean they’re excited. It could mean they’re having trouble navigating all of the changes and activity going on. Some of the most common signs of pet stress include:
- Pacing or restlessness
- Panting when not hot
- Excessive licking or grooming
- Hiding
- Clinginess
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty settling
- Increased barking
- Muscle tension
- Sleeping more or less than usual
All pets will react a little differently to stress, especially for those recovering from surgery or dealing with pain.
Keep Daily Routines as Consistent as Possible
One of the best calming tips for pets is to keep their routines as consistent as possible. Even if you’re traveling with your dog or cat, you can still stick to routines like regular meal times and medication schedules. If they’re undergoing therapy, make sure to stick to their exercise routine at the right time and get in their walks. Bathroom breaks, games, and bedtime routines are also sacred to pets and can help them stay calm. The more predictable the routine, the more secure they’ll feel during busy periods.
Create a Quiet Space for Rest
Pets need rest, especially for their physical recovery and emotional well-being. Get proactive about their sleep and quiet time and set up a comfortable bed away from activity. If they see their crate as their safe space, freshen it up and make sure it’s clean and readily available for them. White noise or calming music can help, along with limiting the foot traffic and asking kids and guests not to disrupt their rest.
Get Creative with Mental Enrichment
Just like outdoor activities, pets also need mental enrichment to de-stress and stay calm. Food puzzles are a good choice for dogs left on their own for a while. A tucked away treat or bit of peanut butter in a puzzle can keep them engaged and busy before taking a nap. Doing some gentle training sessions to teach something new can also keep them stimulated. Remember to add some nose activities for dogs and cats. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, some catnip, or unpacking a suitcase together, pets usually enjoy exploring new scents.
Get Help If Your Pet Seems Overwhelmed
No matter how many calming tips you use, your pet might not be stressed from activity, but physical issues and discomfort. If your pet shows signs of ongoing mobility changes, a reluctance to play and exercise, and difficulty recovering after an activity all mean that your pet needs a check-up. Our rehabilitation staff and veterinarians can evaluate whether your pet is dealing with physical discomfort that’s contributing to their behavioral changes.
If your pet seems uncomfortable, stressed, or isn’t moving as confidently as usual, contact Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics to schedule an evaluation and discuss a personalized rehabilitation plan.
Calming Tips for Pets FAQs
1. Why is my dog anxious when our routine changes?
Dogs like routine and sticking to their habits. Any changes like vacations, houseguests, kids going back to school, or a new work schedule can all create more stress and anxiety. Keeping feeding times, walks, playtime, and bedtime as consistent as possible can help your dog feel more secure.
2. Can stress make arthritis or joint pain worse in dogs?
Yes, stress can aggravate muscle pain, arthritis, and joint issues and cause your dog to suffer through mobility issues and trying to stay active. If you suspect your dog has arthritis, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and follow any rehabilitation exercises to help support their mobility.
3. How do I calm an anxious dog at home?
You can help your dog stay calm by sticking to a predictable routine. Create a quiet place to rest for your dog, make sure they get regular exercise and mental enrichment, and try to avoid any unnecessary disruptions. Rehabilitation therapies could be a good fit if your pet’s mobility issues are making them more anxious.
4. Should I keep doing my pet’s rehab exercises during a busy schedule?
Yes, you should keep up your pet’s rehab program unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Even if you’re busy or traveling, maintaining their rehab helps maintain their strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility.
5. How do I know if my pet’s anxiety is caused by pain?
Some pets aren’t necessarily stressed out when life gets busy, but are dealing with chronic pain. If your pet’s anxiety is accompanied by limping, stiffness, changes in mobility, decreased appetite, or behavior changes that don’t improve, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation. Your veterinarian can help figure out whether or not pain, arthritis, or another medical condition is contributing to the problem.
