How to Recognize the Signs of Stress in Your Pet

Pets can be a great stress reliever for us humans as we juggle through the chores and tasks of our mundane lives. Imagine having a long, tough day at work, but coming home to your furry little friend desperately waiting for you right next to the door. As soon as you turn the lock with the keys, you hear them bark excitedly, and all your stress melts away.

However, you ought to know that even our furry companions, who are otherwise super cheerful and loud, can become stressed out, too. Stress in pets, especially dogs, is more common than you might think. If you don’t notice it in time and seek help, it can adversely affect your pet’s health.

Often times, pet owners fail to recognize the signs of stress in their pets. If your pet dog is acting strangely, the chances are that it is experiencing some degree of stress, anxiety, or uneasiness.
Here are some common signs that indicate stress in your pet for which you need to seek immediate medical help.

Obvious Changes in our Pets Body Language

Dogs mainly communicate with their owners through their body language, so if you notice anything unusual, it’s probably due to stress. Certain changes in their body language, such as excessive yawning, panting, tucked tail, lip-licking, or tucked ears, are common indicators of anxiety in dogs.

Decreased Appetite in our Dog or Cat

If you notice a sudden decrease in your pet’s appetite or if they stop eating altogether, it could very well be a sign of stress or due to any underlying health condition. Dogs, for instance, normally don’t skip their food breaks, so if your pet displays a sudden loss of interest in eating, you should consult a veterinarian.

Excessive Growling in a Stressed Dog

This is one of the most common signs of stress in dogs, which mainly indicates that they are uncomfortable. The discomfort can be due to numerous reasons. It could be because they’re feeling threatened by someone, in pain, or because someone is invading their personal space. If your pet is growling excessively, try to look for such stress-causing signs in their surroundings.

Agitated Pacing in Stressed Animals

When canines pace back and forth due to excitement, for instance, you know there’s nothing to worry about. However, if you notice them pacing agitatedly during mealtimes or otherwise for longer-than-usual periods, it’s mainly because they are stressed, and they can’t seem to settle down.

If your little furry friend has been stressed out lately and needs help, talk to us at Cliffdale Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, NC, right now. We provide a wide range of services, including preventative veterinary care, wellness exams, pet grooming, and many others, to help ensure that your pet stays in the best health.