8 Signs of stress in your pet

Is your pet stressed or anxious? Look for these 8 signs

Stress and anxiety aren’t just human things. Feelings of fear around change or potential future scenarios are felt by many animals, including our beloved pets. The good news is, if you can spot the signs in your furry friend, you can help them to manage their anxiety before it affects their quality of life. Check out the 8 signs of pet anxiety below.

Changed behaviour in their relationships (to people and animals)

If your pet was once a loving, happy member of your family and is suddenly more aggressive, afraid or clingy, it could be the result of anxiety.

Changing habits

Many pets thrive on routine, particularly around sleep. If your pet’s routine changes or their behaviour becomes unpredictable, it may be a sign of stress or anxiety.

Excessively licking themselves

Grooming behaviours can be a method of self-soothing for animals. Over-grooming or licking much more than usual can be a sign your pet is feeling anxious. You might notice they are licking a lot more, or that they have developed bald spots in certain areas due to the licking.

Destroying furniture

Dog and cat owners will all know the feeling of having furniture scratched or bitten by their pets. But if your pet was previously a lover and not a biter, and suddenly they are regularly destroying things around the home, it could be a sign they are feeling anxious.

Playing less

Play is something many pets never grow out of. Even senior pets will still enjoy playing in some form. If your pet has lost interest in their favourite activity or toys, it may be time to seek advice.

Soiling the house

If your pet has been toilet trained and has regressed, it could be related to feelings of stress or fear. Watch for triggers: does your pet soil the house when visitors arrive, or when they are left alone at home, even for a short time?

Barking more

Barking (or meowing) more than usual can be a stress response in pets, known as excessive vocalisation. Some vocalisation is completely normal, but if you notice your pet making noise all day and night, it could be a sign of something more serious.

Hiding

If your pet has taken to hiding and not wanting to come out, it might be more than just wanting some alone time. Make a mental note of how often your pet hides and what’s going on in the home when they decide to retreat to their hiding place.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s behaviour, help is available

If your pet is showing signs of distress or anxiety, start by making some notes about what they are doing, when they are doing it, and how often it is happening. Make some time to discuss your concerns with your vet and see what options might work best for your pet.

Supplements, such as Zylkene^®, can help pets in distress to manage their symptoms.