5 Common Signs of Stress in Dogs and Cats
Contrary to popular belief, stress affects cats and dogs frequently. Sometimes the clues are too small to be seen. Pets can periodically display unwanted or violent behaviors when they are anxious or stressed. It is crucial to understand how to spot stress in your pet and what you can do to cure it.
Panic symptoms in cats and dogs
Your dog or cat may be expressing their tension or anxiety in a variety of ways. Some tensions may be more visible than others since your pet may act out or just communicate their pain to you through their body language.
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Over-licking or over-grooming
For dogs and cats, licking is a peaceful, reassuring behavior. Therefore, if you notice your pet licking their lips around their mouth and nose, it may be a symptom of concern.
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Enlarged pupils
The whale eye is another indicator of stress in dogs that dog parents will notice. Keep an eye out for instances where you start to see the whites of your pet’s eyes. Their eye’s inner or outer corner is typically where the whites of their eyes may be seen.
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Prolonged discharge
Your pet may experience skin rashes when under stress. Excessive itching and/or discharge may result from this. Some discharge is common, but if it seems regular, they can be under distress.
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Howling and squealing
Your dog or cat may be attempting to convey their stress by moaning more than normal. Pets frequently use speech pattern to try to communicate their needs or their emotions to their owners.
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Nonverbal cues
Physical language is crucial for animals. Your pet’s facial expression could be a way for them to let you know that they are under emotional turmoil. Flat ears, quivering, stooping, and folded tails are a few examples of this. If your pet exhibits one of these behaviors, it may be because of excessive levels of anxiety.
Mental stimulation is the next best thing after physical exercise for an anxious dog or cat. Use a dog or cat jigsaw toy to divert their attention from something that might be upsetting them.
Put your pet’s preferred goodie within the game and watch them something for to get to it. They might feel calmer and be diverted from whatever is worrying them out if they maintain their attention on a tough and enjoyable game.
You might also try putting their preferred goodies, kibble, or peanut butter inside a sturdy rubber treat stuffer. Giving them a tough and enjoyable task to concentrate on will also help them feel less stressed. Chewing toys can relieve your dog’s discomfort For dogs, nibbling is naturally relaxing.
Dogs will bite on items they shouldn’t, like your upholstery or flooring, to release stress. You can divert that impulse toward a robust bite like the Defensor rather than destructive chewing.
Get assistance
Consult your vet, a veterinary behaviorist, or a dog trainer if you still notice that your pet is freaked out or frightened.
For instance, training your dog in a program that promotes self-assurance may make him bolder about his anxieties.
Sometimes pet homeowners are forced to anesthetize their canine or feline companion. To examine your alternatives, communicate to your veterinarian.
Nikita Jain
