How to prepare your pet to cope with stress of holiday season
The holiday season can be stressful, but most people look forward to some relaxation time.
However, this can be the most stressful time of the year for pets, says veterinary behaviourist Dr Aileen Pypers, who also consults at Pets at Play.
RELATED: Top tips for keeping your furry friends cool in summer
Routines are changing, kids are home from school for the holidays, people are going away, they socialise more, there's spring cleaning....
Dr Aileen Pypers, Veterinary behaviourist
She says owners need to pay more attention to their animals, specifically looking for signs of stress and responding accordingly.
She recommends the website ispeakdog.org for dog owners to help decode body language.
Dr Pypers urges people to consult a professional in the case of a pet that has already shown signs of more serious behavioural problems. These signs include:
- Showing any kind of aggression in a situation where a pet has been fearful
- Destroying belongings
- Vocalising excessively when left alone
The added stress of the holiday season is just going to exacerbate that and it could end in a situation where you are legally liable for the way your pet has responded to something stressful.
Dr Aileen Pypers, Veterinary behaviourist
For more tips and advice, take a listen:
More from Lifestyle

[EXPLAINED] History of Pfizer’s Viagra - keeping men pumped since 1998
Lester Kiewit interviews Dr Anthony Smith, a General Practitioner.
Read More
Africa Afar: 9 young stars from the continent breaking international waters

A life 'On The Rocks' - recovering alcoholic Thando Pato shares her story
Lester Kiewit speaks to newly published author Thando Pato about her memoir, 'On The Rocks'.
Read More
Africa Day: 5 countries to visit on the continent that won't break the bank

Jason van't Slot cycles the height of Everest to raise funds for cystic fibrosis
