Holiday Stress Although they needn’t fret about finding the perfect gift for someone, pets – like people – may experience stress this holiday season.  Routines are very important for a lot of our pets, especially cats and nothing disrupts routine more than the holiday season.  Visitors in the home, crazy schedules, re-arranged furniture, or a lack of attention may cause pets to engage in strange behaviors, such as pacing, whining, clinging, licking themselves excessively or hiding under the bed.  Many pets exhibit stress by losing their appetite and will stop eating.  Pet owners should be on guard for these signs and take appropriate steps to prevent them. Our pets are accustomed to eating, sleeping, exercising, and playing at designated times during the day – a schedule we generally adhere to nine months out of the year.  However, from November through January, our routines change reflecting our holiday commitments, and our pet’s world is turned upside down.  Although it is difficult, your pets’ routines should be maintained as much as possible during the holiday season.  Feed your pets at their usual time, check the water bowl frequently, let your dogs out regularly and provide a comfortable, quiet place of refuge for your pets to retreat to if they need to escape the hustle and bustle around them. In addition to these creature comforts, keep in mind that Poinsettias, Holly berries and Mistletoe are all toxic plants if ingested by your pets.  If you add preservatives to your Christmas tree’s water, this water can be toxic if consumed.  Tinsel, holiday ornaments and wrappings really do look like toys and can be hazardous to your pet.  Kittens like to climb trees, so you will want to see that your Christmas tree is well anchored.  Chocolate is toxic and can even be fatal for your pets.  Rich holiday foods, laden with sugar and fat can give your pets severe gastrointestinal complaints. The holidays may be hectic, but they are a wonderful time to re-connect with family and friends.  Make sure you spend quality time with your pets and keep in mind how stress reducing their company can be for you.  Just by simply being together, you and your pet can reduce each other’s stress, improve your moods, and enhance each other’s well being.  Now, what could be a better holiday gift than that?