Although they needn't fret about finding the perfect gift for someone, pets - like people - may experience stress this holiday season. Veterinarians caution pet owners to take extra care during the holiday rush to ensure their pet's health and well-being.

Visitors in the home, crazy schedules or a lack of attention may cause pets to engage in strange behaviors, such as pacing, whining, clinging, licking themselves excessively or hiding under the bed. Pet owners should be on guard for these signs and take appropriate steps to prevent them, she said.

The easiest way to reduce pets' stress is to keep them on a schedule similar to the rest of the year. Feed them at certain times, feed them the same type of food and let them sleep in the same place.

If there are visitors in the home you should confine the animal to a quiet part of the house. But make sure to give them plenty of attention and keep up with their normal routine.

Above all, limit stress by making sure pets don't have access to the many things that can endanger them during the holidays.

Pets are like small children within the house and that's how you have to treat them.

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