While the holidays are typically a joyful time, they can be stressful for pets. According to Veterinary Pet Insurance Company’s 2013 data, upset stomach and diarrhea rank among the top 10 reasons owners go to the vet with their pets.
Dr. Laura Pletz is a former part-owner of a vet clinic and now works as a veterinarian consultant on staff at Royal Canin, where she collaborates with other vets and nutritionists on their special diets.
She answered our questions about how to prevent GI upset, caused by stress and foods, during the holidays.
How are the holidays stressful for pets?
For reasons that are not completely understood, dogs that are exposed to stressful situations, such as boarding at a kennel, traveling to stay at grandma and grandpa’s, or introduced to several house guests, may develop digestive issues.
The holidays are also a time when there are more treats and food around the house. Guests may not realize that your dog isn’t allowed to eat table scraps or that they should keep their appetizer plate above hip level.
What are some signs of stress in a dog?
Any deviation from their normal behavior can be an indication of stress in a dog. Some common examples would be:
- Poor appetite
- Decreased interaction with their owners
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and/or diarrhea.
What are some of the signs of GI issues?
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Diarrhea
- Refusal to eat
These are the most frequently reported signs of gastrointestinal illness in dogs. Other signs of digestive disorders include:
- Constipation
- Changes in elimination habits
- Signs of pain while defecating
What should you do if you think your dog is stressed?
Start by moving pets to a comfortable environment and a space that they know as their own. Reduce the amount of stimulus and noise in the environment and use a calming voice with your pet. Determine if your pet is exhibiting any signs of gastrointestinal issues and if so, call your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action.
Is it necessary to see a vet for something like GI upset? Won’t it just go away on its own?
Your pet’s symptoms may seem relatively straightforward, but they could actually be signs of an infection, chronic illness or a more serious condition. If your pet experiences any symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately to determine the best course of action.
Royal Canin’s line of veterinary-exclusive gastrointestinal diets provides multiple options to help veterinarians provide individualized nutritional solutions for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, these diets can help support patients dealing with longer-term gastrointestinal issues.
What are some ways to prevent stress in your dog during the holidays?
Minimize your dog’s stress by providing a stable living environment and by preventing unpleasant interactions and experiences. Throughout the holiday celebrations, try to keep your pet’s schedule and routine as normal as possible.
Additionally, the holidays might not be the best time to try boarding for the first time. Consider boarding your dog or cat for a half-day or a weekend, well in advance of your holiday trip, to get him or her familiar with the routine
What are some other things (other than preventing stress) that you can do to help prevent GI upset in your dog during the holidays?
Owners can educate themselves on what causes gastrointestinal issues. Having an understanding of the signs and common causes of digestive issues in dogs can help you take the best of care of your canine companion and know when it is time to contact your veterinarian.
Be direct with house and party guests and let them know they are not to feed your pet with table scraps or treats.
Holiday decor can seem new and interesting to pets, but owners should watch out for potential dangerous items, such as tinsel or pine needles.
Dogs raiding the garbage can or consuming items that they find when out walking can develop acute gastritis (stomach upset). Additionally, a change in food can cause temporary GI upset in dogs especially if the change was introduced rapidly.
Pet owners can ask their vet about Royal Canin’s line of gastrointestinal solutions. Additionally, they can visit MyPetReference.com as a resource on GI issues, and more.
