Ask Dr. Aziza: Dealing with Stress in Pets

There are many reasons why your pet may feel stressed. Changes in their routine, environment, a new addition to the home, or even something as innocuous as new furniture can increase your pet’s stress level. We asked our Freshpet veterinarian, Dr. Aziza, to give us an overview of the signs your cat or dog is suffering from stress, and what you can do to reduce it.

What are the main signs of stress in dogs?

When dogs are stressed, there are many ways to show it. Some of the main signs include:

• Standing/sitting still or “stiff”
• Rhythm
• Panting
• Excessive licking
• Drool
• Hidden
• Whale eyes (white part of the eyes, easily visible from very wide or open eyes)
• Ear position changes
• no appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Inappropriate urination or defecation
• Increased fur shedding
• Folded tails
• growl
• Moans
• Bark

A stressed dog may not show all of these signs at once, so it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the different ways stress can manifest. This way they can recognize if their dog is starting to show an increasing number of signs and intervene as soon as possible.

What are the main signs of stress in cats?

Stressed cats exhibit behavior similar to that of dogs, the main signs being:

• Hidden
• Standing/sitting still or “stiff”
• Inappropriate urination or defecation
• Rhythm
• Excessive grooming
• Dilated pupils
• Vocalize
• no appetite
• Increased fur shedding
• Folded tails
• growl
• Purr

Where cats differ is that their signs of stress tend to be slightly more subtle than a dog’s. Purring, in particular, can be difficult for pet owners to connect to stress because it’s generally considered a positive behavior.

Does my pet understand when I’m sad or angry, and does it stress him out?

There are several scientific studies that suggest that dogs can sense and mirror the emotions of humans, including stress and anxiety. Dogs are very receptive to facial expressions, tone of voice and even chemicals in body odor which all present emotions like stress. They also tend to be empathetic, which means they can start to feel the same emotions that they perceive.

So in a way, yes, a pet owner’s negative emotions like sadness or anger can make their pet feel stressed. On the other hand, positive emotions like happiness can also positively affect your pet!

What indicates that my dog ​​is not feeling well?

Some of the signs that your dog is stressed may also indicate that he is not feeling well. However, there are a few key things that indicate your dog is dealing with more than just feelings of stress. Some key signs of illness in dogs include:

• no appetite
• Vocalize/moan
• Not interested in recreation
• Lethargy
• Trembling
• Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Panting
• Excessive sleep
• Body language (tail tucking, ear positions)

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if he has an underlying condition.

Where do cats and dogs often dislike being petted?

Most cats and dogs love a good petting session, but there are places on their bodies that can cause stress if touched. Some of them include:

• The top of the head
• Feet
• Legs
• Tail
• Genitals
• anal region

When giving affection to your cat or dog, instead of petting these potentially stressful areas, try more neutral places like their chest, shoulders, or the base of their neck. If you have young children, it’s also a good idea to take the time to teach them how to properly interact with your pets.

How can I reduce my pet’s stress?

There are four main ways to reduce your pet’s stress:

• Diet: A great way to reduce stress in your pet is to start with a healthy dog ​​food. A well-balanced diet, fed with proper portions, leads to a healthy body that is ready for lots of activity. Exercise and playtime are crucial for the mental health and well-being of pets. Eating a well-balanced diet with high-quality ingredients supports the body during these activities. The best dog food diets are high in essential fatty acids, like Freshpet’s Nature’s Fresh® Grain-Free Salmon and Ocean Whitefish recipe, which also help maintain good brain health.
• Set a schedule: Anxious pets benefit greatly from a reliable schedule. It is comforting for them to know when to expect mealtimes, walks, games, and their owner’s schedule.
• Exercise: As mentioned earlier, exercise helps a lot of anxious pets, especially dogs that have a lot of energy. Not being able to use this energy can manifest as destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, which is often rooted in stress and anxiety.
• Self-care: Also, be sure to take care of yourself and your mental health. As stated above, your dog can tell when you are stressed and it can affect them. That’s why it’s essential that you find healthy ways to relax because, in turn, you’ll also help reduce your pet’s exposure to stress.

Are there any supplements or foods I can give my pet to calm him down?

There are several supplements that help pets feel calmer because they contain active ingredients to decrease a pet’s anxiety and stress. To find out which products are a good option for your pet, contact your primary care veterinarian for more information.

We hope Dr. Aziza’s answers will give you more insight into the signs that your cat or dog is stressed. If you suspect this is happening with your pet, talk to your veterinary team. They can work with you to find the best solution to reduce your pet’s feelings of stress.