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Long holidays like the Lunar New Year bring joy to many, but they can also lead to fatigue and stress, often referred to as “holiday syndrome.” This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to humans — pets can experience it too. Sudden changes in their environment can disrupt pets’ biological rhythms, affecting their physical and mental health.
How can pet owners ensure their furry companions avoid holiday syndrome during the extended break? Park Jung-yoon, a vet at Olive Animal Hospital, shared advice tailored to common situations pets face during the holidays.
Traveling with pets
Pets can experience motion sickness. Dogs may drool excessively, pant, or even vomit, while cats might become restless, drool, or show signs of lethargy. This can result from the motion of the vehicle, its vibrations, or the smell inside. Cats, in particular, may feel motion sickness due to their fear of traveling.
To minimize vomiting, avoid feeding your pet for at least three hours before departure. If motion sickness is severe, consider administering medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Most motion sickness treatments for pets include antiemetics or sedatives, which should be tested in advance to monitor your pet’s reaction. Administer medication an hour before departure for the best results.
Make regular stops at rest areas to provide water and breaks. Knowing which highway rest stops have pet-friendly facilities in advance can be helpful. As of June last year, 20 rest stops in Korea featured playgrounds for dogs, according to the Korea Expressway Corp. However, operating hours may vary, and some facilities may be temporarily closed, so checking beforehand is recommended.
Lastly, pack essentials like pet food, snacks, waste pads, a leash or harness, and any medication. Familiar items such as toys or blankets can provide comfort, and car seats can help pets travel more securely.
Leaving pets behind
If you must leave your pet behind, planning is crucial. It’s essential to have trusted acquaintances or pet hotels lined up. Some local governments also offer pet care services during holidays, such as Seoul’s expanded “Pet Lodging Centers,” which are now available in 17 districts.
Send familiar items like your pet’s usual food and toys to ease their anxiety. For healthy cats, leaving adequate food and water in a ventilated space can allow them to stay home alone for up to two days. However, dogs should not be left alone for extended periods due to their need for social interaction. If unavoidable, limit the time to a maximum of 24 hours and arrange for someone to check on your dog at least once.
Automatic feeders with timers are recommended to prevent overeating, and multiple water bowls and waste pads should be placed around the house. If you’re worried about leaving the house dark, opt for dim lights in hallways or kitchens rather than bright lights, which can disturb pets’ sleep.
Hosting guests
Some pets may experience stress when unfamiliar visitors flood their space. This can lead to vomiting or diarrhea, requiring veterinary attention. Excessive attention from guests can tire pets out, so providing a dedicated quiet area, such as a separate room or fenced-off space, is vital.
Dr. Park emphasized, “Many pets visit clinics after the holidays due to stress from changes in their environment or consuming holiday foods. Preparing for these changes is crucial as pets can also experience holiday syndrome.”
Proper preparation can make the holiday season stress-free and enjoyable for pets and their owners alike.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
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