July Newsletter

Signs Your Pet is Stressed

Signs Your Pet is Stressed

Are you good at detecting changes in your pet’s mood? By recognizing the signs of stress and anxiety, you can take constructive steps to soothe your dog or cat.

Cats and dogs are more than good companions; we relax and feel less anxious when they’re around. Naturally, their emotions affect us as well. When something stresses out a pet, we want to know what’s causing that change in behavior and what we can to to calm the pet down.

Like people, pets are intelligent, sensitive, and have different personalities. Some seek out new adventures and are fearless about meeting people. Others hold back their trust, waiting until they believe a situation is safe.

Different circumstances can create stress in a pet. Perhaps you’ve decided to introduce a new cat or dog into the household, and that creates a problem with your other pet. Or the arrival of unknown human guests or delivery people raises their hackles. Some dogs and cats suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.

Leaving the house to go to the vet, groomer, boarding kennel, or on a car or plane ride can also cause a change in behavior. And sometimes pets become stressed or frightened by the sound of a thunderstorm or fireworks.

Cats and dogs have somewhat different ways of showing stress. Have you seen your pets do any of the following?

Dismayed Dogs

When dogs are stressed, they may let you know by:

  • Excessive barking
  • Urinating indoors
  • Biting
  • Frenetic activity such as running in circles or pacing
  • Mounting humans, other dogs, or furniture
  • Chewing shoes, clothing, furniture
  • Clawing at a door
  • Destructive behavior
  • Whimpering or crying
  • Trying to run away

Cats on Edge

Feline anxiety manifests itself in several ways, including:

  • Hiding
  • Hissing
  • Pacing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme vocalization
  • Excessive grooming leading to hair loss

Dealing with a Stressed-Out Pet

If possible, simply avoid situations that you know will upset your pet. For example, if going to a boarding kennel creates tension, try to arrange for in-home pet care when you leave home.

If your pet tends to bolt, make sure he’s been microchipped. Having a collar ID tag can also make it easier for a PetRescuer to return your dog or cat.

When you can’t soothe your pet’s anxiety by yourself, visit the veterinarian to discuss treatment options. A wide range of medications, from holistic to prescription, is on the market.

Your veterinarian may recommend nutritional supplements, behavioral therapy, anti-anxiety pills, changing your pet’s diet or some combination of these as a means to bring calm.

Try giving whatever method your veterinarian prescribes a chance to work by sticking with it. If you devote a reasonable amount of time and there is no change, try something else. By making the effort to alleviate or lessen stress in your dog or cat, you can strengthen your bond and create a more peaceful environment.