More than 70% of dogs and cats show signs of nervousness at some point in their lives. Like people, pets feel stress from things like loud sounds, being alone, and strange places. Pets cannot tell us how they feel, so we need to watch for these signs and help them when they look stressed.
Do you want tips on how to help your pet stay calm and happy? Keep reading to find out what usually causes pets to feel nervous and some easy steps to help them feel more relaxed!
What Causes Anxiety in Pets?
Pets can get anxious for many reasons. Here are a few common causes:
- Loud Sounds: Thunder, loud bangs, or high-level music frightens pets.
- Alone Time: Some pets feel sad when their owners leave for a while.
- New Places: Moving to a different home, meeting new people, or visiting the vet can cause nervous feelings in pets.
- Old Bad Experiences: Some shelter pets might have experienced hard things before and remember those times.
Signs Your Pet Might Be Anxious
Pets can’t talk but have other ways of showing they’re anxious. Watch for these signs:
- Hiding: If your pet runs away or hides under furniture, they might be scared.
- Excessive Barking or Meowing: Your pet might be trying to tell you they’re uncomfortable or worried.
- Chewing or Destroying Things: An anxious pet may chew furniture or other objects to release stress.
- Shaking or Trembling: Like us, pets can physically shake when scared.
- Excessive Licking: Licking themselves or even you too much can be a sign of stress.
How to Help Your Anxious Pet
Supporting an anxious pet can be tricky, but there are effective ways to help them feel more at ease:
- Set Up a Comfort Zone: Create a calm, cozy spot in your home where your pet can retreat when they’re feeling stressed. Include their bed, favorite toys, and a soft blanket for comfort.
- Stick to a Routine: Pets find comfort in consistency. Maintaining a regular schedule for feeding, walks, and sleep can help reduce their anxiety by providing a sense of security.
- Keep Them Active: Daily exercise is critical for reducing stress. Take your dog for a walk or engage your cat with interactive toys to help burn off nervous energy.
- Try Relaxation Products: Consider using anxiety wraps, pheromone sprays, or natural calming supplements. However, you must check with your veterinarian before introducing new products to your pet’s care routine.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats, gentle praise, and affection. This helps them associate calmness with positive experiences.
- Seek Professional Support: If your pet has severe anxiety, contact a vet or animal behaviorist. They can provide specialized advice, treatments, or therapy to manage it.
Taking small, consistent steps can significantly improve your pet’s mental well-being and help them lead a happier, calmer life.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Pet Anxiety?
If your pet is anxious often, you need to do something to help. Pets get tired and miserable in precisely the same way as people do when constantly stressed. It is also worth noting that anxious pets may cope by chewing on something they should not be chewing as an escape attempt.
You can improve their life by easing your pet’s anxiety and making yourself feel better knowing they are happy and safe.
Take Action Against Pet Anxiety – Schedule an Appointment with PetWow For Happier and Healthier Pets!
Managing pet anxiety can be challenging, but there is no need to feel like you are taking it all on your own.
That’s where we come in at PetWow! But if you need your pet to have an examination or feel it would be best for its mental health to have a little therapy, then don’t worry. We are ready, willing, and able.
Book an appointment with PetWow to learn how we can help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life.
