How to Spot Signs of Stress in Your Pet and What You Can Do About It

comforting stressed out dog on couch

Pets, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety. Recognizing the signs of stress in your pet and taking proactive steps to alleviate it can significantly improve their quality of life. At Hill Country Pet Sitters Plus, we understand the importance of maintaining your pet’s well-being. Here’s how you can spot signs of stress in your pet and what you can do about it.

Changes in Behavior

 If you ever experience your pet acting differently than usual, sometimes this can be a sign that they’re under stress. For dogs, increased barking, whining, or howling can be a sign. The may become more aggressive or submissive. Cats, on the other hand are likely to hide more often, hiss more, and start scratching the furniture more than usual.

Eating Habits

Pets may eat less or more than usual, skip meals, or show disinterest in their favorite treats.

Excessive Grooming or Licking

Both dogs and cats might groom themselves excessively, leading to hair loss or skin irritation.

  1. Lethargy or Hyperactivity
  2. Digestive Issues
  3. Body Language
  4. Changes in Bathroom Habits

What You Can Do About It

It’s important to provide a comfortable environment for your pet. You want them to feel at home and safe, so it’s crucial to give them a routine they can get acquainted to. Try to keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules going for them to ease their stress. Regular exercise can help reduce stress levels. Engage your dog in daily walks and play sessions. Cats benefit from interactive toys and climbing structures.

  1. Offer Mental Stimulation
  2. Use Calming Aids
  3. Spend Quality Time Together
  4. Consider Pet Sitting Services

Why Choose Hill Country Pet Sitters Plus?

At Hill Country Pet Sitters Plus, we want to make sure your pet is always at the peak of their life. With our pet sitting services, our team is trained to understand the behavior of pets. We can give you the insight you need to recognize when your pet is stressed out or having anxiety, so you can take the necessary steps to ease this for them. Like humans, pets can get uncomfortable at times in many different situations. Be aware of some things that can make them uneasy and try to eliminate going to those places or taking part in those activities.

We are certified with the National Association for Professional Pet Sitters and trained in pet CPR and emergencies. We have extensive experience working alongside vets, so we understand and our equipped to handle any emergency with professionalism and care.

Contact Hill Country Pet Sitters at (830) 624-9284 today or visit us online for more information!