The holidays are here – I believe the official start of the holiday season is Thanksgiving – although with all the marketing and retail hoopla – the holidays come earlier every year.
This “most wonderful time of the year” – can quickly become “the most stressful time of the year”. So – remember – our dogs are very in tuned to us. They know when we are happy, they know when we are sad, they know when we are stressed and they know when we are anxious.
By now I’m sure you know that I’m going to talk about canine stress – and how to help your best furry friend get through the holidays….
If you are the type of person who gets stressed during the holidays – you can put money on the fact that your dog will feel anxious and stressed too.
Even if you are lucky enough to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holidays and for the most part do not get anxious or stressed – your dog may get stressed without any help from you.
Here is an easy referral list of canine stress signals to watch for.
If you see any of these behaviors, remove your dog from the situation to a place where he is comfortable.
Not Eating
Stress causes the appetite to shut down. If your dog typically likes treats but won’t take them- he is telling you he stressed.
Nose Licking
If you see your dog flicking his tongue out on his nose – not licking some yummy peanut butter off his nose – that is stress!
risChattering Teeth
If it is not 30 degrees – but a balmy Texas December your dog is not shivering – that is stress!
Scratching
An itch is an itch, but constant scratching – that is stress!
Shaking Off
Unless you just gave your pup a bath or he just jumped out of the pool – a body shake off is stress related
Yawning
Out of context yawning – not sleepy, not just had woken up – just yawning – that is stress!
Barking
Not alert barking, not barking to go potty, etc..seemingly barking for no reason – that is stress!
Brow Ridges
Worry lines on your dog’s forehead – stress!
Digestive Disturbances
Upset tummy not related to food eaten or tummy bug – if you hear tummy gurgles – that is stress!
Panting
Not hot out, not playing, – that is stress!
Stretching
Didn’t just wake up from a long nap – but continually stretching – that is stress!
Trembling
Body shaking like there’s a major thunderstorm – but there is not. That is stress!
Whining
Walking around whining for no apparent reason – that is stress!
Whale Eye
Staring without blinking, whites of eyes showing – that is stress!