Just as us, our beloved pets also experience stress, but they show their unease in manners that are not as in-your-face as just complaining about how distressed they are. Having the ability to pick up on those more covert signs is completely imperative in doing right by them and giving them what they need.
Reading Between the Lines: The Hidden Signs of Pet Stress
Knowing how to identify pets’ not-so-obvious indicators of stress is the secret to maintaining their health:
- Body Position Changes: Observe for slight shifts in body positioning like a tucked-down tail, laid-back ears, wide-eyed appearance with more white showing, or an tense body.
- Different Levels of Activity: A normally playful pet will become sluggish, or a tranquil pet will become agitated, pacing up and down, or restless and cannot settle.
- Increased or Decreased Noise: A sudden change in the volume of noise your pet makes (whining, barking, meowing, hissing, or being unusually quiet) can be a sign.
- Alterations in the manner in which they groom themselves: Some stressed animals will lick or groom themselves excessively in an effort to relax, sometimes even causing bald spots, while others will stop grooming themselves.
- Weird Behaviors Out of Context: These are normal routines they engage in strange situations, like licking their lips when they’re not eating, yawning when not tired, scratching when not itchy, or suddenly smelling the ground.
- Changes in Eating or Bathroom Habits: Stress will make them eat more or less, and also make them pee or poop more or less often.
- Hiding or Wanting to Be Alone: Stressed pet will try to find some quiet, secluded spot to go to.
Now read: How Pets Give Comfort—And Ask for It in Return
Things that stress out pets:
- Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, building, or even loud music can be scary.
- Changes in What They Normally Do: Even the smallest changes to their routine can stress them out.
- New People or Animals: Adding new people or animals should be done gradually and with something positive.
- Being Stuck or Too Little Room: Provide your pet with enough room and time to exercise and remain occupied.
- Being Left Behind: Some pets genuinely get anxious being alone.
- Travel: Car trips or visiting new destinations like the vet or groomer might be stressful.
- Home Changes: Changing homes, changing furniture, or adding new family members may be stressful.
- Not Enough to Do Mentally and Physically: Stress and worrying can result from boredom.
Creating a Calm Environment and Offering Support
Recognizing these little signals allows us to take steps to make our pets feel secure:
- Provide Them with Safe Spaces: Provide your pet with a safe den or space to retreat into.
- Schedule Regularly: Having things occur at the same moment every day may reassure them.
- Bring Things Slowly: Introduce new things and individuals into their life gradually and in a favorable way.
- Occupation Therapy: Give them plenty of toys, puzzle toys, and physical exercise.
- Use Rewards: Train them with treats and praise, and never scold them.
- Consider Calming Aids: Pheromone diffusers, calming music, or anxiety wraps can be beneficial.
- Consult a Vet: If you notice persistent or evidently terrible signs of stress, consult a professional. They can determine if it is because of some medical issue and provide advice on how to assist.
By taking more notice of the subtle signs that indicate our pets are stressed, we can build a more nurturing and serene environment, strengthening the bond between us and keeping them healthy overall.
