Common Signs of Stress in Your Pets

Our pets are our family, and nobody likes to see their family in visible distress. The thing about pets though is that they can’t tell you directly when there’s a problem. They can vocalise, of course, but it can be difficult to read a happy bark from a distressed bark if you don’t know the signs to watch out for. Of course, if it’s bonfire night and they’re shaking and withdrawn the cause is probably obvious but it’s not always that clear cut.

Recognising and addressing signs of stress in your pets is essential for their health and wellbeing and while vet visits can be invaluable during such times, you also need to know when to make that phone call. The last thing you want to do is book a potentially stressful and expensive trip to the vet for your furry friend when they’ve just got a bit of an upset stomach that’ll pass in a few hours. 

Here, we’ll outline some common indicators of serious stress in pets and offer advice on how to support them effectively without going overboard and making a mountain out of a molehill.

Changes in Behaviour

A clear sign that your pet may be under stress is a sudden change in their usual behaviour. This could reveal itself in several ways. For example, if your pet is usually calm and relaxed but is acting aggressively are making more noise than usual it could be a sign of stress. 

Conversely, if they’re usually incredibly active and seem more withdrawn it could also mean something’s wrong. Observing when these behaviours occur can help pinpoint the source of pet stress and allow you to stop it from happening again in the future. Another behaviour to look out for in cats is excessive grooming, while dogs may also display similar stress responses by chewing on their paws or tails excessively.

Appetite Fluctuations

Stress can significantly affect your pet’s appetite and eating habits. Some pets may lose interest in food, while others might eat excessively to cope with what’s stressing them out. Changes in eating behaviours are important to monitor because they can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhoea or vomiting. 

If you notice these symptoms, consult your vet ASAP to ensure there’s no underlying medical issue. If you’re worried about cost, having a comprehensive pet insurance plan can really help manage the cost of these vet visits, particularly if they need to stay overnight.

Hiding or Avoidance Behaviours

When stressed, pets often seek shelter as a natural defence mechanism. Cats might tuck themselves away under the sofa or in dark closets, while dogs may retreat to a crate or a quiet corner of the house. 

Avoidance behaviours, like shying away from interaction or avoiding eye contact, are also common. These actions suggest that your pet is trying to find safety or escape from a stressor. Basically, if your pet is acting the way they usually do when there are fireworks about, there might be a problem.