The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and gatherings – but for our four-legged family members, it can also bring significant stress.
In a recent discussion between veterinary experts Dr. Rob Silver, Chief Veterinary Officer for Real Mushrooms and author of "There's a Mushroom for That," and Dr. Ruth Roberts, the Original Holistic Pet Health Coach, valuable insights emerged about keeping pets calm during the festive season.
Understanding Pet Stress During the Holidays
"Our pets are really reflections of ourselves," explains Dr. Silver, emphasizing how animals readily pick up on their owners' emotional states. With the current global climate and holiday excitement, our pets often mirror our increased stress and anxiety levels. The key to managing pet stress starts with finding our own center of calmness.
Proactive Planning: The Foundation of Pet Peace
Rather than dealing with situations as they arise, both experts emphasize the importance of planning. Dr. Silver recommends "staging" your holiday celebrations to minimize pet anxiety. Here are key strategies:
Creating Safe Spaces
Consider having pets in the backyard when guests initially arrive or designating a quiet room where they can retreat. This approach helps prevent the "wind-up" effect of anxiety, where stress builds upon itself and becomes harder to manage.
Managing Guest Introductions
Once most guests have arrived, introduce pets one at a time in a controlled manner. This allows for proper introductions and helps pets feel more secure about new people in their space.
Kitchen Control
Holiday food preparation can be particularly stimulating for pets. Consider keeping them out of the kitchen during cooking to prevent overexcitement and potential dietary indiscretions that could lead to health issues like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE).
Natural Remedies for Holiday Calm
When it comes to natural calming solutions, several options show promise:
Herbal Solutions
- Valerian: Excellent for general calming
- Catnip: Particularly effective for cats, creating initial excitement followed by relaxation
- Chamomile: Traditional remedy for nervous stomachs
- Passion Flower: Known for its calming properties
- Skullcap: Effective but requires careful dosing
CBD Oil
Dr. Silver, a renowned expert in veterinary Cannabidiol, recommends:
- Starting dose: 0.25mg per pound of body weight, twice daily
- Administration: Mix with fatty food for better absorption
- Timing: Begin treatment 1-2 weeks before holiday events
- Consider broad-spectrum products that contain multiple beneficial compounds without THC
Additional Supplements
- Tryptophan: A safe amino acid that helps produce calming serotonin
- L-theanine: Found in green tea, known for its relaxing properties
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Can work synergistically with CBD for enhanced relaxation
Tips for Success
1. Start calming supplements well before holiday events
2. Consider combining approaches for enhanced effects
3. Always verify product quality through certificates of analysis
4. Monitor your own stress levels to help keep pets calm
5. Maintain regular routines as much as possible
Professional Guidance
While these strategies can be highly effective, it's important to remember that every pet is different. "Everyone has their own household, their own circumstances, their own philosophy about how to live with their pet," notes Dr. Silver.
Remember, our pets are emotional beings – think of them as three-year-olds in terms of emotional development. By planning and taking a holistic approach to stress management, we can help ensure the holiday season remains joyful for all family members, including our beloved pets.
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