We love our pets for their joy, their unconditional love, and the way they make us feel better. But like humans, pets can also feel stress—whether from changes in environment, routine, health issues, or subtle triggers we might not see. Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. At Dry Creek Veterinary Hospital, we aim to help you understand how stress shows up in your dog or cat, what you can do about it, and when to seek professional help.
What Pet Anxiety Looks Like (and Sounds Like)
Recognizing anxiety in pets requires careful observation, as signs can vary between dogs and cats and may sometimes mimic other health issues:
Dogs:
- •Repeated pacing
- •Panting when not hot
- •Destructive behaviour (chewing doors/furniture)
- •Clinginess
- •Hiding
- •Sudden acting out or aggression
- •Trembling
Cats:
- •Decreased grooming
- •Over-grooming (bald patches)
- •Hiding
- •Reduced appetite
- •Aggression when approached
- •Repetitive behaviour (tail chasing, pacing)
Some signs might look like other health issues (vomiting, weight loss) so it's important to rule out medical causes first.
Common Stress Triggers & Why They Matter
Understanding what causes stress in your pet is the first step toward managing it effectively. Common triggers include:
- •Routine changes: New home, new family member, moving furniture, travel or boarding.
- •Noise & environment: Loud construction, fireworks, storms, new appliances humming—cats & dogs are sensitive.
- •Health issues: Pain, illness or sensory changes (hearing/vision loss) can increase anxiety.
- •Social stress: Other pets, new pets, unfamiliar people, lack of safe spaces.
Understanding the trigger helps you to reduce it or adjust the environment accordingly.
Practical Steps to Reduce Stress at Home
There are many ways you can help your pet feel more secure and calm in their environment:
- •Create 'safe zones': Designated quiet space with a comfortable bed, access to food/water/litter, minimal traffic.
- •Consistent routine: Feeding, walk/play times, bed time—predictability provides comfort especially for anxious pets.
- •Mental enrichment: Puzzle feeders, scent games, training sessions, supervised play—for both dogs and cats, mental activity helps ease stress.
- •Positive reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour; ignore attention-seeking anxiety behaviours (where safe) rather than unintentionally reinforcing them.
- •Calming tools: Soft classical music, pheromone diffusers (for cats/dogs), anti-slip mats for older pets to avoid added stress of instability.
When to Seek Professional Help (Your Vet & Beyond)
If you notice any of the following, it's time to talk to your vet:
- •Significant change in behaviour lasting more than 2 weeks (e.g., hiding, aggression, refusing to eat).
- •Anxiety appears linked with physical symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, skin lesions from over-grooming).
- •Stress from medical condition (arthritis, sensory loss) where addressing underlying health improves emotional state.
At Dry Creek Veterinary Hospital we can:
- •Perform a full health exam to rule out pain/medical causes.
- •Recommend behavioural modification strategies or refer to a pet behaviourist.
- •Work together on a customised stress-reduction and wellness plan, integrating medical, environmental, mental and physical health.
Final Thoughts: Your pet's emotional world matters. When they feel safe, supported and understood, they flourish—not just survive. If your dog or cat is showing signs of stress, don't wait. Reach out to Dry Creek Veterinary Hospital at (209)-745-9130 to schedule a "Behaviour & Wellness" consult. Together we'll help your companion feel calm, confident and happy at home and in life.