Even the calmest and friendliest of pets might not cope well with the transformation of your household into a house filled with people, especially strangers or rambunctious children. Being an instinctive creature of habit, these changes can quickly become a stressful and upsetting time for them and can present special challenges to pet owners. The coming and going of strangers and relatives can be very intimidating. Your pet will react to their voices and body language, and may be emotionally charged when approached. Because you are busy shopping, entertaining, or traveling, time with your pet may be limited. Play, feeding, and maintenance routines might be disrupted. Your pet might feel left out or even experience separation anxiety.

Pets that are stressed may show a variety of signs including:

* Eating less, or not at all

* Changes in the character or quantity of droppings

* Droopy ears, tails, more shedding than usual

* Impatience, uncharacteristic low-level growling/hissing

* A need for isolation, or unwillingness to come out of hiding

* Biting/nipping, scratching

In order to ease this anxiety:

* Maintain feeding and hygiene routines. A treat here and there should be just that. Do not make big changes in diet during the holidays.

* Provide your pet toys to pass the time and chew, especially if he is unable to exercise outside as much as usual.

* Limit your pet's exposure to strangers and activity.

* Spend quality time with your pet each day. This will provide reassurance, and also give you time to closely watch your pet for signs of stress.

* For dogs use natural dietary support and aromatherapy for stress. (see article ‘Natural Remedies for Stress Relief’ )

And what about those holiday plans that take you away?

Whether it's a couple of days or a week, traveling with or without your pets can be a stressful occasion for them. Careful preparation and planning are essential when traveling with pets. If you and your pet have a close bond, the animal could grieve during an absence that lasts several days or more, unaware that you plan to return.  A long absence can sometimes lead to such an emotional upset that your dog remains depressed, even for weeks after your return.

What to do?

* Get in-home care especially if your pet is weak, old or sickly.  It is necessary to check out the pet-sitter carefully, though.  Professional pet-sitters are available who will look in on your pet/s, feed them and make sure they have clean water, play with them, walk them, clean up their litter boxes and brush them, giving them a sense of being cared for.

* No leads on a professional? Try to get a neighbour, close friend or relative who already knows and likes the animal.  What about a local teenager looking for some extra money?

* Arrange for the sitter to get to know your pet and spend time with it before you leave.

* Make sure you have a first aid kit ready and veterinarian contact information where it is easy to find, as well as for you, if possible.