Stressed during the holidays? It may be time to get a dog

Worried about holiday stress? You may want to buy a dog. Many Americans ease tension and anxiety during the "most wonderful time of the year" by spending time with their dogs, according to a survey from BarkBox on Wednesday. A 2015 study found that 44 percent of people called the Christmas season "somewhat stressful," while 18 percent said it was "very stressful." Only 10 percent of participants said they felt no added stress. Eighty-five percent of dog owners say their canine companion helps them relax during the period of time from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Forty-six percent say spending time with their dog helps them cope with difficult family members, and 33 percent say quality time with their pet helps ease the stress of family arguments. Forty percent of people have taken their dog for a walk or played with them to escape difficult family members during the holidays, while 43 percent say they're happier to see their dog than their human family members. This is especially true among millennials and singles. Owning a dog during the Christmas season does present some challenges - 30 percent of people say their pet has destroyed a holiday gift or decoration, while 20 percent say the animal has "urinated on or knocked over the Christmas tree."

Worried about holiday stress? You may want to buy a dog.

Many Americans ease tension and anxiety during the "most wonderful time of the year" by spending time with their dogs, .

A found that 44 percent of people called the Christmas season "somewhat stressful," while 18 percent said it was "very stressful." Only 10 percent of participants said they felt no added stress.

Eighty-five percent of dog owners say their canine companion helps them relax during the period of time from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Forty-six percent say spending time with their dog helps them cope with difficult family members, and 33 percent say quality time with their pet helps ease the stress of family arguments.

Forty percent of people have taken their dog for a walk or played with them to escape difficult family members during the holidays, while 43 percent say they're happier to see their dog than their human family members. This is especially true among millennials and singles.

Owning a dog during the Christmas season does present some challenges - 30 percent of people say their pet has destroyed a holiday gift or decoration, while 20 percent say the animal has "urinated on or knocked over the Christmas tree."

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