Pet wellness encompasses many areas of a happy, healthy pet, so in appreciation of Stress Awareness Month, learn how you can identify and de-stress pets to provide you with a longer, happier, and longer life. healthy.

April is Stress Awareness Month and this applies to all living things, large, small, human or not, particularly our pets. Are you surprised to read that animals have stress? Stress affects our dogs and cats and various types of pets across the board. Stress from pets, like stress from people, causes health problems, lowers quality of life, causes depression, and shortens lifespan. For these reasons, among others, it is necessary for pet owners to practice another part of pet wellness, which is knowing if their pet is stressed, identifying stressors, and using the techniques necessary to de-stress and increase the quality of his life. the life of the pet.

Signs of pet stress

Many signs of pet stress can also be signs of other problems, so don’t assume it’s stress. It is important to look in all avenues to efficiently help your pet and save yourself and your pet in the future, with health problems and expensive veterinary bills.

1. Itching

Itching is a sign of several things, such as fleas, ticks, lice, or a skin allergy, but it can also be a sign of stress if your dog or cat is bitten more than normal. First eliminate the possibility of fleas, ticks, lice and allergies, and then consider that it could be that your pet is stressed. Natural pet health care treatments offer effective remedies for allergic itching that can be administered at home. Treating the itchiness and discomfort of allergies and eliminating the source of the allergy will also prevent your pet from suffering from the stress caused by discomfort, due to ongoing itching.

2. Excessive shedding

The more stress from pets, the more molt there will be. However, shedding is also common with poor quality dog ​​food, poor diet, and it can also be genetic, as well as a dog not getting enough sunlight. Another condition of excessive shedding is when the pores of the dog’s skin do not close completely, allowing the hair to constantly fall out. This generally requires a vitamin like biotin to help. Or your pet could be overly stressed.

3. Lethargy

A lethargic pet is always a sign that something is wrong and needs to be urgently examined. Lethargy can be caused by depression, poor health, lack of exercise, and unhappiness. However, your pet’s stress is on fire. Usually a vet will request a stool sample to get to the root of this problem.

4. Aggression

A sick, injured or in pain pet can be aggressive if approached or petted, otherwise your pet’s aggression could be stress related.

5. Lack or lack of appetite

Pets that are stressed, sick, or depressed often eat less or lose their appetite altogether. This is another area, obviously, that needs to be addressed immediately if pet owners take notice.

6. Lack of interest

A dog or cat that suddenly shows a lack of interest in things that he was always excited to do or enjoyed doing is a sign of a sick, sad, or depressed pet. Check for illness first and then consider stress as a reason.

7. Passive behavior

Contrary to aggression, some pets become passive when stressed.

8. Negative behavior

Bored pets often dig, chew, or bark constantly. A stressed or sad dog will be destructive, this is also a common behavior of intelligent breeds that do not stay alone for long periods of time or do not exercise enough mentally and physically for their breed.

9. The change is swimwear.

A house-trained dog or a litter-box-trained cat that suddenly forgets about this and walks into the house could be stressed or sad. Consider the age of your pet and how long it has been trained because accidents happen and especially during the puppy or learning stages.

10. Sounds

As funny as it is, cats often purr when stressed, sad, or even dying, unlike a dog that growls when unhappy or agitated.

11. Body language

Many pets, especially dogs and cats, will have a change in body language, such as slouching while walking, lowering their head, walking slower than usual, and lying down all the time. This could be a sign that your dog or cat is unwell, has an injury, is depressed, or is experiencing stress for your pet.

Happy pets signs

1. Curious

2. Playful

3. Show appreciation to people you meet.

4. Normal stools and bathing habits that are rarely disturbed.

5. Above all happy appearance and demeanor

6. A healthy appetite

Like people, dogs and cats have different personalities and owners, with different lifestyles and different environments. Dogs and cats will handle their stress in different ways – some are more nervous and nervous, while others go with the flow and may not be too bothered by things. When a pet owner is stressed or depressed, it can affect their pets, particularly a dog or cat, as these animals are very open to their owners’ feelings, spirit, and environment. If you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed, chances are your dog or cat is too.

But there are other factors that can cause stress to your dog or cat.

1. Pet welfare requires pet owners to identify if their pet is stressed and take steps to improve the situation. Think of yourself first. Are you stressed more than usual? Are you depressed, sad, or feeling anxious and nervous? Remember that, just like your children, your pet will sense your stress and if it has a direct impact on their behavior, mental state, actions, and personality, it will certainly affect your pet as well.

2. If your pet is sick and not getting better, it can cause stress and unhappiness for him as well as you. So keep an eye on your pet and be sure to take action in any unusual situations that may arise. Don’t delay because you don’t know what the situation could be and it could be urgent, which makes the difference between recovery or death. For pets that already have an illness or health problem, stress can delay healing and even make the problem chronic if your pet is dealing with relentless stress.

3. Constant television, flashing lights, lack of visual stimuli, smoke, or polluted living environments can all cause stress to the dog through their eyes. Consider turning off your television for some time during the day, soft lights at night, toys, and a stimulating, clean air environment.

4. Once again, as with our children, television can become a problem if it is not handled at home. A loud and constant television can add stress to your dog’s ears. Loud noises, other dogs constantly barking, people arguing, children yelling, sirens, video games, thunderstorms, and slamming doors that are constant in a pet environment are other stresses that can affect your dog through sound. . Consider classical music for your dog or cat when you leave him home alone instead of the television or radio. Classical music is calm, slow, and relaxing and has been proven to be a favorite with cats and dogs. There are many pet music CDs available these days that have clinically proven types of music that are best suited to and enjoyed by cats and dogs. An antistatic coat can be used to help dogs undergoing stress from thunderstorms. Consider the noise level in your home and make changes to achieve a quieter and quieter atmosphere if necessary.

5. Perfumes, excessive or irritating essential oils, hairspray, air fresheners, deodorants, and smoke are also to blame for stress causing anxiety or agitation through the dog’s nose. For health reasons and signs of global warming, it is preferred that people not use air fresheners in their homes or vehicles. Instead, get to the root of the odor problem and try a natural air freshener, such as boiling a cinnamon stick. Don’t use perfumes, deodorants, hairspray, or smoke around your pet. Instead, keep the use of these items in one room to keep the rest of the house clean.

6. For anxiety and fear, pet owners will often consider a product called Calming Pheromones for Dogs. However, before going that route, consider lavender aromatherapy, which has been shown to be successful in reducing stress, sadness, and restlessness in shelter-housed dogs and pound dogs.

7. A dog’s mouth and digestive system also play a role in stress. A poor diet, unhealthy teeth and gums not getting enough water, or having to compete for food are all sources of stress for pets. Make sure your dog receives regular dental checkups and cleanings. A safe and reliable eating environment, fresh and clean water every day, a healthy and balanced diet.

8. Temperature and weather are also sources of stress. A pet in uncomfortable, painful, or isolated living conditions will have high levels of stress.

9. Excessive exercise, poor training techniques, and untreated injuries can cause arthritis and joint disease. Poor training can also cause fear and lack of confidence, all of which create stress. Exercise should be age and breed appropriate, fun, challenging, and moderate. Training should be age and breed appropriate and never on a harsh and cruel basis. To protect against injury, joint disease, and arthritis, make sure your dog or cat receives beneficial body treatments, like pets. massage, hot or cold heating pads and swimming in the pool if possible. Make sure your dog is comfortable in the water first and that you are with him when he bathes. As a child, never leave your pet alone in or near water. Massages don’t have to be expensive, you can learn how to do them at home, as well as many other natural pet health care practices.

In the spirit of Stress Awareness Month, remember that conscientious and responsible pet ownership requires you to put your pet’s wellness into practice and stay on top of any changes in your pet, just as you do yourself with their children. Be aware of changes in behavior of any kind that will be addressed and drift to the root of the problem. Stress is not the cause of all the problems your pet may encounter, but it certainly should never be ruled out. Give your pet the quality of life it deserves by ensuring that its food, treats, exercise, training, lifestyle, treatments, and environment are healthy and age and breed appropriate. Giving your pet a healthy natural diet, enhanced with vegetables and free of poor quality food ingredients, unhealthy additives will maintain your pet’s inner and outer beauty and protect it from disease. Maintain your health even more by doing your best to de-stress your pet and improve your pet’s length and quality of life.