Common causes of stress in pets
Changes in the household: new family members, moving house or renovations can cause pets to become restless.
Loudness and noise: fireworks, thunder or construction noise are common stress triggers.
Social interactions: unfamiliar people or animals can cause anxiety in shy pets.
Separation anxiety: being alone can cause considerable stress in some pets.
Health problems: Pain or illness are common causes of stress symptoms.
Signs of stress in dogs
Changes in your pet’s behaviour can be an early sign of stress. These include increased barking or whining, restlessness and excessive panting. Some animals also show aggressive behaviour or withdraw completely.
Physical symptoms are also common signs of stress. Your dog or cat may tremble or shake uncontrollably, suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting, or lick their paws or other parts of their body more often than usual.
Changes in appetite are also not uncommon. A stressed animal often has less interest in food or treats, while other animals eat excessively to calm themselves down.
Signs of stress in cats
Cats also show clear behavioural changes when stressed. These include increased meowing or hissing, as well as hiding or retreating to quiet places. In some cases, aggressive behaviour towards people or other animals may occur.
Physical symptoms are also common indicators of stress. Many cats start to groom themselves excessively, which in extreme cases can lead to hair loss. Vomiting, diarrhoea, an increased heart rate or shortness of breath can also be signs of stress.
Changes in toilet behaviour are also not uncommon: some cats become messy and do their business outside the litter tray, while others visit the litter tray more or less frequently.
Tips for coping with stress
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Creating a safe environment: Provide a place where the animal feels safe and secure. This could be a quiet corner of the house or a special room.
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Maintain routine: A fixed routine for feeding and walking times can help animals feel more secure.
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Gentle relaxation techniques: Use soothing music or aromatherapy with animal-friendly essential oils to promote relaxation.
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Use of relaxation aids: In the case of prolonged stress, natural relaxation aids for dogs and cats can help to alleviate the symptoms. ZILCALM® from Nutrilabs, with milk protein hydrolysate and ashwagandha, has a calming effect on your animal without sedating it.
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Professional support: If the stress does not subside, it may be necessary to consult an animal behaviour specialist or veterinarian to find an individual solution.
Conclusion
Stress in pets can significantly affect their quality of life, but with the right attention and support, most animals can return to their relaxed, happy selves. Look for subtle and obvious signs of stress, and don’t hesitate to take action to improve your pet’s well-being.
