The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness for families, but for your furry friends, they can bring about a mix of excitement, stress, and even health challenges. 

As pet parents, it’s important to stay vigilant if your pet is showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite during this busy time of year. These symptoms can often signal that something’s not right with your pet’s health—and with all the extra treats, travel, and changes in routine this season, these might be a contributing factor.

Recognizing the Symptoms: Red Flags To Pay Attention To

• Lethargy: Your dog may be unusually sleepy, disinterested in play, or reluctant to interact with family members.
• Loss of Appetite: A sudden decrease in your pet’s food intake, or refusal to eat their regular meals, could be a red flag.
• Weakness: Your dog might have difficulty standing, walking, or simply moving around comfortably.
• Reluctance to Move: If your dog seems to avoid physical activity or looks uncomfortable while trying to get up, it may be due to pain or internal discomfort.

Though it’s not uncommon for pets to have a “lazy day,” prolonged or worsening symptoms during the holidays warrant closer attention.

Possible Reasons for Lethargy and Loss of Appetite During the Holidays

The holiday season can bring a variety of stressors and health risks for your pet, which might explain why they’re not feeling quite themselves. Here are some of the most likely culprits:

1. Systemic Infections and Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a breeding ground for infections, especially if your pet is exposed to other animals at gatherings or while traveling. Infections, including blood parasites, can cause your dog to feel weak and lose their appetite. If your dog has a history of blood parasite infections, it’s even more crucial to stay on top of their treatment during this busy time. The stress of travel or changes in routine can also weaken your pet’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.

Ongoing treatment and regular follow-up with your vet are critical to managing blood parasite infections. If your pet has shown signs of lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s important to reach out to your vet to ensure they are on track with their treatment.

Need to book a consult with one of our vets? Download the Pettr app now. 

2. Metabolic Disorders and Overindulgence

The influx of rich foods and treats during the holidays can also contribute to metabolic disruptions in your pet, especially if they have a history of conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease. These disorders can cause your pet to feel tired and lose interest in food. Over-eating or consuming food scraps (which are often not suitable for dogs) can also lead to digestive upset, further reducing their appetite.

3. Pain or Physical Discomfort from Holiday Activities

While the holidays bring fun activities, they can also lead to injuries, particularly if your pet gets overly excited or exposed to new environments. For example, pets that are jumping around more than usual during family gatherings or that trip over new obstacles (like Christmas trees or decorations) may experience sprains, muscle aches, or even stress-induced pain.

4. Stress from Holiday Changes

The holiday festivities often bring about new routines, extra noise, and lots of changes in the household. Pets, especially those that are sensitive to changes, may become stressed by the sudden shift in their environment. Holiday stress can make them lose their appetite, become lethargic, and feel uneasy. If your dog isn’t used to visitors or travel, they may get overwhelmed by the holiday chaos.

How to Care for Your Pet During the Holidays

Here are some tips to help keep your pet safe and have the best time this holiday season:

1. Monitor Their Symptoms: Keep track of your pet’s energy levels, food intake, and overall behavior when at gatherings. If symptoms persist for more than a day or seem to worsen, it’s important to consult a vet.
2. Encourage Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can worsen lethargy. You can also try adding some low-sodium broth to their water to make it more enticing.
3. Offer Comforting Foods: If your dog isn’t eating their regular food, try offering soft, warm meals like boiled chicken or rice. Sometimes a change in texture or temperature can help them feel more comfortable eating.
4. Limit Physical Activity: Holiday excitement can sometimes push your dog to overexert themselves. Allow them to rest and relax in a quiet space away from the commotion.
5. Consult Your Vet: If you’re concerned about your pet’s symptoms, especially with a history of blood parasites, don’t hesitate to call your vet. Timely intervention can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

How Pettr Can Support You This Holiday Season

We understand how stressful the holidays can be for both pets and pet parents. Here’s how we can help:

• Home Vet Visit: Skip the holiday clinic crowds and book an in-home vet visit through the Pettr App. This is especially useful if your pet is stressed by trips to the vet or if you’re too busy with holiday planning.
• 24/7 Pet Care Advice: Sometimes, you just need a little reassurance. Pettr offers expert advice through its vet consultation offerings via chat and video, so you can quickly get answers to any questions or concerns. 
• Health Records and Tracking: Keep your pet’s health on track with the Pettr app. You can monitor their treatments and health updates directly and easily through the app. 

With a little extra care, you can make sure your pet enjoys a healthy and happy holiday season, just like the rest of the family!