Holidays are hard on our pocketbooks and our nerves.  Activities of our daily lives are no longer routine.  Our stress level rises as we juggle irregular schedules, parties and house guests.

Your pets are no different.  Being pack animals, they "read" your stress. They have to cope with all the changes going on around the household, too. Expect your well-adapted, well-mannered pets to exhibit some peculiar, if not annoying, characteristics of their own during this time.

Help them deal with the holidays by following some of these hints:

• Maintain their regular exercise and feeding schedule.  If things remain as normal as possible in their routine they will be less likely to exhibit anxiety.
• When you expect guests, set up a "safe haven" for your pet.  If he/she is used to being in a crate, use it.  If they are normally in your bedroom, put them there with toys, water and their bed.
• If your pet will be part of the festivities, be sure to keep a leash handy in case he/she needs to be restrained.  Provide a toy or chew toy to keep them occupied.
• Tell guests not to feed your pets, no matter how much they beg.  High-fat table scraps can cause stomach upset.......not to mention the mess on your carpet!  A better alternative would be to put a few dog bones in a fancy bowl on the buffet and allow them to be given as rewards for good behavior.  (Again, all things in moderation.)
• Toxic foods include, but are not limited to:  Raisins, Grapes, Chocolate, Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms, Coffee and Cocoa.  Alcohol...........well, that goes without saying!
• Poinsettia, Amaryllis and Christmas Rose plants may be beautiful, but be advised: they ARE DEADLY to your pets.  Keep these plants off the floor and out of your pets reach.  Be fastidious about picking up fallen leaves to ensure your pets do not ingest them.  For a list of toxic plants, visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com. 
• Anxious pets are more likely to bite, scratch and try to escape from being handled.  Recognize signs of anxiety in your pets and be prepared to deal with it. 
• Cats will lick their chops, lay their ears downward/toward the side, narrow their eyes and curve their whiskers forward. 
  
• Dogs will lick their chops, yawn or exhibit a "half moon eye" (when the white of the eye shows in a half moon shape).  A slow deliberate wag with his/her tail held high or level with his/her back, or if the tail is between the legs, you need to take it to a safe haven.  The dog is displaying too much anxiety and you need to get it away from your guests.....particularly children.
  

Being conscious of what's going on around your pets during the holidays is critical to their well-being and to the safety of your family and friends.  Remind your family members to keep an eye on your pets throughout the festivities and you'll enjoy a safe, joyous holiday (and so will your pets).

Merry Christmas!

Team Mahal