Prep your dog for the holidays. The cat will distance herself...

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

By Jackie Berg

Dogs love attention, but during the height of the pandemic some could have used just a little bit less of it, according to veterinary experts who recommended that pandemic pet owners provide breaks from excessive or unwanted attention.

Translation? Many pet parents got a bit too clingy last year.

Just when our pets adjusted to new pandemic routines, we resumed our old schedules. Dogs that needed a bit of alone time got it — perhaps more than they would have liked, as the kids went back to school and we returned to more normal work, shopping and, yes, eating out habits.

Suddenly, America’s pets awoke to find less people at home, far fewer table scraps and the absence of walking buddies this fall.

These transitions are tough for many dogs.

Like people, pets are unique and have their own way of adjusting.

Our extroverted friends (unapologetically social creatures) balk against this whole “Home Alone” pet sequel. They miss us and all the over-the-top attention they finally got accustomed to during months of quarantine.

They bark excessively, seem to chew everything in sight and, yes, even have accidents.

Introverts, on the other hand, likely love and welcome the transition as they reclaimed their own personal space and enjoyed more quiet reflective moments without the disruption of their overly attentive family.

Experts report that introverted pets tend to adjust to a more solitary state more readily than their more extroverted counterparts.
Notwithstanding, transitioning back from more independent time to a “full house” is hard for animals, particularly dogs. And there’s a big transition with the kids’ winter break, our holiday and vacation schedule and a lot more planned social activities and festive social gatherings.
How can you tell if your pet is stressed? Watch for

• Inappropriate chewing
• Abnormal accidents of your housetrained dog
• Pacing, circling, shivering or shaking
• Excessive whining or barking

Pet experts tell us it is important to avoid extremes and say now is a good time to start preparing your pet for the days ahead. They recommend pet parents:

1. Begin to amp the walks. It will do everyone good to get out of the house and remain active as the season changes.
2. Ease into social occasions. Invite the neighbor to stop by for a short visit, encourage the kids to play with friends in the yard and get out to a local park to heighten opportunities for social interaction.
3. Gradually reduce your pet’s alone time. Make sure your pet is up, active and engaged a few more minutes in the days leading up to the holiday.
4. Create a chaos-free and calm escape. Prepare a “safe space” for your dog to wind down from or avoid holiday activities altogether.
5. Let them make the first move. As guests arrive, try to introduce and “pair” your pet with guests they seem most comfortable with. Set aside special chew toys and treats for guests to offer to help keep your dog’s attention focused.

Editor’s Note: Jackie Berg is the publisher of The Health Hub and Co-Founder and CMO of CBD Marketing Hub. To learn more about the company visit: cbdmarketinghub.com.

To learn more about its featured business Bluebird Botanicals visit: bluebirdbotanicals.com

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here