Animals, just like people, can experience stress, anxiety and emotional upset. Understanding what may be causing your animal's stress is the first step to helping them feel more secure, settled and supported.
Common Causes of Stress in Dogs and Cats
Stress can develop when an animal's physical, social or emotional needs aren't being met. Sometimes the reason is obvious, other times it takes a bit of observation to work out what is troubling them.
Boredom, Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Digging, excessive barking and generally getting into mischief can all occur when a dog is bored, has too much energy and not enough mental or physical stimulation.
This can be particularly important for working and active breeds. While your cute little Maltese may be quite happy living as a companion dog, a Border Collie needs considerably more exercise, training and mental stimulation.
Having a purpose or a job can also be incredibly important for some dogs. This doesn't necessarily mean a traditional working role. It can be training, learning new skills, playing games or taking part in activities that allow them to use their natural abilities. Things like putting their toys away, finding a family member, or treasure hunts with treaets can all provide valuable stimulation.
Loneliness and Social Connection
Many dogs and cats spend long stretches of the day at home alone. Cats are often quite happy to sleep for much of this time, but dogs are naturally social animals and can find long periods without companionship difficult, particularly when they have little else to occupy them.
One simple way to help is to exercise your dog before you leave for work. A good walk, some play or time spent exploring and sniffing can help your dog use up some physical and mental energy before settling in for the day. A dog that has had the opportunity to exercise and engage with you in the morning will often be much calmer and more content when left to rest at home.
For horses and other herd animals, social connection can be just as important. Being separated from their own kind for long periods can be stressful, especially for animals that naturally rely on the security and companionship of a group.
It's important to note that every animal is different. Some animals are more independent than others, while sensitive animals may become unsettled if they are constantly fussed over or rarely given the opportunity to settle on their own. The goal is to find what makes your animal content and comfortable when you're not there.
Changes, Loss and Separation
Animals can be very sensitive to changes in their environment, routines and relationships.
Bringing home a new baby or animal, moving house, changes in the family or losing a companion can all affect how an animal feels. Some animals can also struggle when they suddenly have to share their person's attention with someone new.
Grief can be particularly noticeable after losing a human or animal companion. Animals can also become unsettled when they're separated from their person and stay in boarding kennels or catteries while they're away.
After all, you know you're coming home, but your animal doesn't necessarily know when — or even if — you're coming back. From their point of view, their familiar person has simply disappeared, and that can be confusing and stressful.
Fear, Anxiety and Frustration
Thunderstorms and fireworks are common fears in dogs and cats, but animals can also become anxious around strangers, unfamiliar places or other animals. Some may be naturally more cautious or sensitive than others.
Think about what it would feel like to be stuck somewhere for hours with no freedom to move around, explore your surroundings or do anything that feels natural to you. For an animal, that lack of choice and stimulation can be frustrating too.
When Behaviour Becomes a Way of Communicating
Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Animals
Stress can look different from one animal to another. Some may become withdrawn, while others become restless, vocal or destructive.
Common signs include:
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Changes in appetite
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Restlessness or difficulty settling
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Excessive barking, meowing or vocalisation
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Destructive behaviour
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Hiding or withdrawing
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Increased clinginess
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Aggressive or defensive behaviour
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Excessive licking, chewing or scratching
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Changes in toileting
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Repetitive or unusual behaviours
These behaviours can have many causes, so consider what may have changed in your animal's environment, routine or relationships.
Supporting Animals with Stress and Anxiety
Once you've identified possible sources of stress, look at your animal's overall environment and daily routine.
Make sure they have appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, rest and opportunities to express their natural behaviours. Gentle, positive training can also help build confidence, particularly in dogs.
Providing a nutritious, appropriate diet can support your animal's general health. Our guide to feeding dogs naturally provides more information.
Natural Support for Animal Stress
Flower essences have traditionally been used to provide emotional support during times of stress, change and uncertainty.
Different blends can be selected according to the situation. Sibling Rivalry may be considered when an animal is adjusting to a new animal or changes in household attention, while Grief Relief is designed for emotional support following loss.
For sudden or particularly stressful situations, Crisis Remedy is another option. Greenpet also has a range of Flower Remedies for Dogs.
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Some dogs find being left alone particularly difficult. Signs can include barking, destructive behaviour, pacing, toileting indoors or becoming extremely distressed when their carer leaves.
Looking at the dog's routine, environment and confidence can help identify ways to make separation easier. Avoid punishing anxiety-related behaviour, as this can add to their stress.
Greenpet has a range of natural products for separation anxiety that can be considered alongside appropriate environmental and behavioural support.
Supporting Animals During Storms and Fireworks
Providing a quiet, secure place to retreat and keeping their routine as calm and predictable as possible can help them feel safer. Calm companionship and natural support may also be useful.
Homeopet Storm Stress is one option available for animals that become unsettled during storms and other stressful events.
Looking at the Whole Animal
An animal's emotional wellbeing is influenced by more than one thing. Their environment, diet, exercise, relationships, routine and individual temperament can all affect how they cope with stress.
Rather than focusing only on unwanted behaviour, consider what your animal may be trying to communicate. Understanding their needs and providing appropriate support can help them feel more secure, settled and better able to cope with stressful situations.