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Humans are becoming more aware of how events both large and small in daily life can affect their mental health and stress levels. Most people can verbalize when stress is becoming a problem, and there are many steps people can take to care for themselves and their loved ones. However, pets cannot tell their owners in words, “Hey, I’m feeling really anxious and stressed right now!” Instead, pet owners often notice changes in behaviors or even physical changes when an animal is struggling to adapt to a stressful situation. Recognizing that something is wrong is crucial for avoiding more extreme issues, like physical illness or even dangerously aggressive behavior like biting.

 

Signs Your Pet Is Stressed

 

According to a peer-reviewed study, as much as 88% of dogs suffer from an anxiety-related disorder. Pets can also develop chronic or post-traumatic anxiety from a stressful situation. Levels of stress and anxiety in pets appear to be comparable to levels experienced in the human population. Environmental factors and the behaviors and actions of those around us can create a stress response, and research indicates the same issues affect our pets. 

 

Although pets can’t speak, owners can easily see signs of stress if they know what to look for. Activity levels and health concerns can vary widely among different breeds, and individual pets will also have their own personalities and behavioral quirks. However, changes or issues with appetite, illness, or elimination can indicate that something unusual is going on. It’s crucial to watch for these changes since prolonged stress could cause severe or even permanent health problems.

 

Appetite Changes

 

If a pet suddenly stops eating the usual amount of food and there hasn’t been a change in the brand or type of food given, that’s a possible sign that something stressful is going on. Along with decreased appetite, many pets may also chew on items they did not previously chew on, such as doors, furniture, or other structures. Pets that don’t eat properly may also begin licking themselves excessively and injuring themselves. A decrease in appetite is especially dangerous in pets with other medical issues or young and growing pets. 

 

Immune System Changes

 

Just like in humans, higher stress levels can compromise the immune system in pets, too. Inside your pet’s body, stressful situations cause the excessive release of glucocorticoids, hormones that tell the pet to be “on alert.” In the same way that people experience stress, these hormones have a positive function by readying the body for quick action. But when there’s ongoing stress, the hormones stay present in the body and can strain internal processes. Prolonged stress creates fatigue and exhaustion throughout the body, leading to decreased function of vital organs. A lowered immune system and overtired organs can lead to visible illnesses, such as skin infections, or invisible, like stomach ulcers or high blood pressure. And if pets are already ill because of another issue, stress can slow down or stop the healing process.

 

Elimination Problems

 

For many pet owners, elimination problems are the #1 and #2 most frustrating issues to deal with. Stressed-out pets may begin suddenly urinating inside the home when they didn’t before or might urinate in response to loud noises or strangers. Stress can also cause a pet to develop diarrhea or the inability to wait until the pet owner can get them outside. These messy signs of stress can frustrate owners, adding to the stress the pet feels, creating a negative feedback loop. However, changes in urination or defecation are not always signs of stress, so pet owners should talk to the vet about sudden changes.

 

Behavioral Changes

 

Sudden changes in behavior can indicate the pet is dealing with ongoing stress or has developed an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can appear as:

• Obsessive or compulsive behavior

• Aggressiveness

• Separation anxiety

• Fearfulness

 

Not all behavioral changes are tied to chronic stress, however. Some breeds may be more prone to anxious behaviors than others, and some people may acquire their pet after a stressful event has already triggered a tendency to exhibit anxious behaviors.

 

Common Causes of Stress in Pets

 

Pets, like people, respond to stress differently, and individual pets can handle varying kinds of stress. Different breeds can be more or less prone to stress responses, and as mentioned before, pet personalities also come into play. Because of this, there are many things that can cause stress. Some of the most common causes of stress are:

• Change: Pets thrive on routine. Regular mealtimes and walks make pets feel safe and secure. Many pet owners see signs of stress in their pets after a move, when the owner’s work schedule changes, or when someone moves into or out of the home, but even small changes like taking a later walk can stress a pet. 

• Noise: Loud or excessive noise can do a number on pets. Some noisy situations may be unavoidable, like thunderstorms or when neighbors set off fireworks. Children playing loudly or screaming or taking a pet past a construction site can also be stressful. 

• Your feelings: Pet owners may not realize it, but their feelings and emotions can directly impact their pet’s stress levels. If owners are anxious, neurotic, fearful, or frustrated, their pets can mirror those feelings. If an owner is experiencing chronic stress, chances are their pet is, too.

 

Ways to Minimize and Treat Pet Stress

 

If you’ve observed any unusual behavior or physical changes in your pet, your pet could be stressed. While some stressful situations may be unavoidable, finding ways to minimize stress can keep your pet healthier and happier. Experts recommend that pet owners first try to determine where the stress is coming from. Partnering with the vet is a great way to get some perspective and figure out the source of the stress. Knowing why a pet is anxious can help owners find solutions. There are many ways owners can make their pets more comfortable and reduce or eliminate anxious behaviors.

 

1. Try upping the exercise. Pets susceptible to separation anxiety can significantly benefit from spending time with owners getting exercise. It’s an excellent opportunity to walk, run, or play with the pet, tiring them out while bonding and spending quality time. During the exercise, owners can touch and talk to their pets or use favorite toys to engage pets directly.

2. Time-outs for overstimulation. If noise or crowds are the cause of anxiety, then creating a calm and quiet space can help overstimulated pets relax and get back to normal. Think about it—people benefit from going to a quiet room and relaxing with soothing lights, music, or gentle scents, and so do many pets. 

3. CBD treats can treat multiple anxiety disorders. Numerous studies have indicated that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and well-tolerated as an anxiety treatment in various stress-inducing situations. Both studies and owner-reported usage have shown that many pets respond positively to CBD treats in multiple situations, including thunderstorms, crowds, moving to a new home, or even bringing a new person into the house. CBD can even assist dogs suffering from separation anxiety or changes in routines. Dosage is typically based on the weight of the pet.

4. Calm them with special coats or shirts. Many pets respond well to specially-designed coats or shirts that fit closely and may even be lightly weighted. The coat or shirt seems to comfort some pets, while others do not respond as well.

5. Physical contact and massage can be reassuring. Sometimes pets just want to feel reassured that everything is ok. Extra pets and snuggles can let them know we’re here and will keep them safe. And pets can carry tension and stress in their bodies as people do. Learning some gentle massage techniques can help pets relax and prevent painful muscle soreness that, if left untreated, could increase their anxiety.

 

Healthier and Happier Living for Your Pet

While living totally stress-free might not be possible, creating a stress-less environment for your pet can go a long way toward improving anxious behaviors and health-related issues. When stressful situations do arise, owners can use many therapies and tools to soothe and help their pets. When owners respond to the anxiety their pets feel, it helps to reduce the unwanted anxious behaviors and can prevent the physical damage that chronic or repeated stress can take on the pet’s body. Owners should consider their own stress levels since this can directly impact their pets. Exercise, gentle touch and attention, and home therapies like CBD treats and special coats can also contribute to a better quality of life for pets.