Pet wellness encompasses many aspects of a healthy, happy pet, so in thanks for Stress Awareness Month, learn how to identify and eliminate stress in pets to give them a longer, happier, and healthier life.
April is Stress Awareness Month and this applies to all living things, big, small, human or not, especially our pets. Are you surprised to read that animals are stressed? Stress affects our dogs and cats and various types of pets across the board. Stress in pets, like stress in humans, causes health problems, lowers quality of life, causes depression, and shortens lifespan.
Signs of stress in pets
Many signs of stress in pets can also be signs of other problems, so don’t assume it’s stress. It’s important to explore all options to help your pet efficiently and save you and your pet future health problems and hefty vet bills.
1. Itching
Itching is a sign of a number of things, including fleas, ticks, lice, or skin allergies, but it can also be a sign of stress if your dog or cat is itchier than usual.
2. Excessive loss
The more stress there is on pets, the more losses there will be. However, shedding is also common in poor quality dog food, poor nutrition, and can also be genetic, as well as a dog not getting enough sunlight. Another condition of excessive shedding is when the dog’s skin pores don’t close completely, which can cause constant shedding.
An apathetic pet is always a sign that something is wrong and needs urgent attention. Lethargy can stem from depression, poor health, lack of exercise, and unhappiness. Or your pet’s stress is on fire. A vet will usually ask for a stool sample to determine the cause of this problem.
4. Aggression
A sick, injured, or in pain pet may be aggressive if approached or petted, but beyond this, your pet’s aggression may be stress related.
5. Lack or lack of appetite
6. Lack of interest
A dog or cat that suddenly shows no interest in things they’ve always liked or enjoyed doing is a sign of a sick, sad, or depressed pet. Look for diseases first, then consider stress as a reason.
7. Passive behavior
The opposite of aggression, some pets become passive when stressed.
8. Negative behavior
Bored pets will often dig, chew, or bark constantly. A stressed or distressed dog will be destructive, this is also a common behavior of intelligent breeds that are not left alone for long periods of time or are not exercised physically and mentally enough for their breed.
9. Change is bathroom habits
A potty-trained dog or litter-trained cat who suddenly forgets and comes into the house may be stressed or sad. Keep in mind your pet’s age and length of training as accidents occur and especially during the puppy or learning phase.
10. Sounds
As funny as it is, cats often purr when they’re stressed, sad, or even dying, unlike a dog that growls when they’re unhappy or excited.
11. Body language
Many pets, especially dogs and cats, will have a change in body language, such as slouching when walking, lowering their heads, walking slower than normal,
1. Curious
2. Playful
3. Show appreciation to people you meet
4. Normal stool and bathroom habits that are rarely altered
5. Overall cheerful appearance and demeanor
6. A healthy appetite
Just like humans, dogs and cats have different personalities and owners, with different lifestyles and different environments. Dogs and cats will deal with their stress in different ways: some are more excited and tense, while others go with the flow and may not be too concerned about things.
But there are other factors that can cause stress in your dog or cat.
1. Think of yourself first. Are you more stressed than usual? Are you depressed, sad or do you feel anxious and nervous? Remember, just like your children, your pet will pick up on your stress and if it has a direct impact on your behavior, mood, actions, and personality, it will certainly affect your pet as well.
2. If your pet is sick and doesn’t get better, it can cause stress and unhappiness for you as well. So keep an eye on your pet and be sure to take action in case of any abnormal situations that may arise. Don’t wait any longer, because you don’t know what the situation might be and it could be time sensitive, making the difference between recovery or death. For pets that already have an illness or health problem, stress can slow healing and even make the problem chronic if your pet is dealing with unrelenting stress.
3. Constant television, flashing lights, lack of visual stimuli, smoke or polluted environments can cause stress in dogs through their eyes. Consider turning your TV off for a while during the day, easy lighting, toys, and a stimulating clean air environment at night.
4. Perfumes, excessive or irritating essential oils, hairspray, air fresheners, deodorants, and smoke are also stress culprits that bring fear or excitement through the dog’s nose. For health reasons and signs of global warming, it is preferable that people do not use air fresheners in their homes or vehicles. Instead, go to the root of the odor problem and try a natural air freshener, like cooking with a cinnamon stick. Do not use perfumes, deodorants, hairsprays or smoke around your pet. Instead, keep using these items in one room to keep the rest of the house clean.
5. For anxiety and fear, pet owners will often consider a product called a calming pheromone for dogs. However, before going that route, consider lavender aromatherapy, which has been successful in reducing stress, sadness, and restlessness in shelter-housed and beaten dogs.
Excessive exercise, poor training techniques, and injuries gone untreated can cause arthritis and joint disease. Poor training can also cause fear and lack of trust, all of which bring on stress.
In the spirit of stress awareness month remember that being a responsible and conscientious pet owner requires you put pet wellness into practice and keep abreast of any changes in your pet, just as you do yourself your children.