How to Recognize and Prevent Stress in Your Cat or Dog

It is true that having a pet, such as a dog or a cat can reduce your stress. But, did you know that you could also reduce stress in your pet? The simple act of stroking your pet's fur actually has a calming effect on both of you.

How do you know if your pet is stressed?

Dogs
The best way to tell if Fluffy is stressed is to pay attention to her behavior. If she is stressed, she may pant or drool excessively, although it is not warm outside. She may have an upset stomach, may vomit, or have diarrhea. Further she may hyperventilate and run from room to room snorting. Lastly, if she is confined in a cage, she may cower in the corner and growl or snap at anyone who comes near.

These symptoms are indications of short-term stress in dogs; this is a serious condition and may lead to seizures or death if not treated immediately.

Some symptoms of long term stress can be loss of hair, loss of appetite and severe weight loss. Another symptom of long-term stress is that Fluffy becomes increasingly aggressive especially around food.

Cats
As with dogs, the best way to tell if a cat is experiencing stress is to observe her behavior. If Twinkles is stressed she will be unusually jumpy and nervous. She may hide under the bed and be very agitated. She could refuse to eat or drink for days at a time. She may growl or lash out when you try to approach her. She may sit and stare at you with her ears back and tail quivering. Her pupils will be dilated and her hair may be puffed out.

These symptoms are indications that something is bothering your cat. As a pet owner, you need to pay attention to any changes in behavior.

What can I do to calm my pet?

Dogs
With dogs, usually the best way to calm them is to pet them. Gently stroke Fluffy's fur, and rub behind her ears. Hold her close to you, perhaps cover her with a blanket and speak softly to her. Give her your undivided attention and let her know that you are there and you will protect her. If you are calm, Fluffy will soon be calm as well. Once she is calmed, be sure that she gets plenty of water (not too much, too fast, though) and let her rest with you until she feels better.

If Fluffy is suffering from long term stress, brought on by major changes, then you will need to put more time and effort into making her feel at home. You will need to pay special attention to her throughout the course of the day. Over time, you will have to spend less and less time with her, soon she will relax and become a happy dog. But this will take time and patience on your part.

Cats
Cats are peculiar creatures. The approach you take to calming Twinkles is going to be vastly different from the approach you take calming a dog. First off, place food, water and the litter box in plain sight. Then close the door of the room she is in. Turn off the lights and leave her alone, for awhile. Periodically "visit" her in the room; stay as long as you like, she may not respond right off. When Twinkles is ready she will come to you. The length of time this takes is an individual thing for each cat. But once she is ready to make friends with you again, she can be let out into the rest of the house. The key to calming a stressed cat is to leave her alone and let her come to you.

What is causing my pet to be stressed and how can I help her?

Usually, dogs and cats can be affected by your emotions. If there is a significant amount of stress in the household it can be transferred to your pet. For this reason you will want to remain as calm as possible around your pet. This way, they would reduce your stress and you would reduce theirs.

Aside from ambient stress, many pets are stressed by the weather (thunder and lightning). Usually, when the storm is over your pet will return to normal. During the storm, however, you will need to comfort her. If she is the protective type, her lack of control over the situation may cause her further stress. Just be there for her and show her that you care.

Of course change, such as moving, or being rescued from a shelter stresses the largest number of pets. The best thing you can do for your pet is to try to keep the disruption to a minimum. Remember that she is leaving everything she knows as well. Try to comfort her as much as possible and give her the chance to adjust to her new surroundings.

For the most part, your pet is happiest when she is with you, try to be there for her when she needs you. Then she will be there for you when you need her.