Oh you happy one?
Hanover. For many people, the time around Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. They look forward to the festive decorations, the candlelight, the special scents, the sweet treats and, above all, the meeting with family and friends.
However, all of this can also mean stress for dogs and cats. Juliane Moghimi from Agila pet insurance explains: “In many families there is a kind of positive state of emergency over the holidays, but this can definitely become a burden for the pets – especially if they otherwise lead a rather quiet life. However, if those who keep them pay attention to a few things, this stress can be easily minimized.”
Avoid sources of danger
The greatest possible stress, according to Juliane Moghimi, would of course be an illness or injury to the pet. “Especially around Christmas, there are various dangers lurking at home for dogs and cats.” According to the Agila expert, these include burning candles and broken glass – for example from Christmas tree balls – and above all potential poisons: chocolate and certain sweeteners can cause poisoning, as can the popular poinsettia. Walnuts are not poisonous per se, but they can – especially if you harvest them yourself – be infected with a harmful mold. But tinsel and small decorative figures on the Christmas tree also pose a danger if they are swallowed. If the tree is in a stand with water, it must be inaccessible to dogs or cats because it can contain pollutants from the wood.
Offer a retreat
While people enjoy having family and friends visit, it can be stressful for pets. “Dogs and cats in particular, who usually only live with one or two people, often find this to be too much of a challenge,” says Juliane Moghimi. She therefore recommends creating a place of retreat where the animal can be undisturbed at all times. “Many animals like it when their basket is in a quiet, darkened side room during the celebration and the door is only left a little open. Then they can decide for themselves whether and when they want to join the people.” Children must be explained that they must respect the pet's desire to retreat unconditionally and without exception.
The biggest challenge: New Year's Eve
Once the Christmas season is over, the next – and for many pets biggest – challenge of the year is upon us: New Year's Eve. When the old year ends with noise and smoke, quite a few dogs and cats suffer considerably. “We know from the statistics of the TASSO pet registry that almost three times as many animals escape on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as on any other day of the year,” explains Juliane Moghimi. “That’s why we advise you to be particularly careful.” Outdoor cats should no longer go out on New Year's Eve by noon at the latest, and dogs should no longer be off-leash when going for a walk. Particularly anxious four-legged friends can be doubly secured outside with special harnesses.
Be there for the animal
In addition, pets should never be left alone on New Year's Eve, warns Moghimi. “This also applies to animals that have shown little or no fear in the past. You never know in advance exactly what the reaction will be.” It's best to stay at home with the animal and behave as normally as possible. In addition, a quiet, dark place should be available as a safe place. This could be the windowless bathroom, but also the closet or a pet cave. When the banging reaches its peak at midnight, lowered blinds or drawn curtains and even a television on can reduce the stress a little.
“The previously widespread opinion that one should not comfort the animal when it is afraid is now controversial,” adds Juliane Moghimi. “And we also recommend being actively there for your four-legged friend when it needs attention. Stroking, cuddling, massages, games or sniffing tasks are an expression of the bond between people and pets and can therefore do a lot of good right now.”
Sedatives can also help some four-legged friends. However, the allocation should be planned responsibly and only take place in consultation with a veterinary doctor.