Are you expecting a new addition to your family, are you going to the sea or have you decided to adopt another pet? These are just some of the situations that can cause your dog stress and affect his behavior. Stress can lead to various other health problems, so by early detection of the cause of stress itself, attention and care can greatly influence their quality of life. Depression, restlessness, loss of appetite, aggression, whining or shaking are just some of the signs of stress in dogs that should not be ignored.
What are the most common situations that cause stress in dogs?
Excessive noise
Dogs have much more sensitive hearing and hear sounds much louder than us humans. The best example is firecrackers and fireworks. You will agree that very few pets can handle that kind of noise accompanied by light effects. Thunderstorms are also one of those situations that most pets don’t feel comfortable with. Due to excessive noise, dogs begin to walk uncontrollably, looking for refuge and safety inside their home, breathing rapidly, whining, feeling discomfort and agitation, and many, especially when walking, move away from their homes due to panic attacks. During a thunderstorm, find a safe place for the dog, draw the curtains and replace the noise with music on the radio or television. Breeders often accustom puppies to various sounds and situations from an early age (playing thunder sounds to get the puppy used to that sound).
New environment
Changing the environment due to moving can be very stressful and challenging for your dog. Just like us, dogs also need to adapt to a new situation, so it is important not to cause them additional stress, and to make the new change as easy as possible. A change in the dog’s environment can cause anxiety, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and even increased shedding. If any of these conditions persist for a long time, be sure to contact your veterinarian. However, keep in mind that going to the vet itself is a stressful event for most pets, so be there for them if your vet allows it and prepare a reward for their bravery. Do not neglect your pets during packing and moving, pack their belongings last, and in the new home unpack them first in order to provide your pet with a safe place and shelter as soon as possible.
Separation from the owner
Many of you have at least once found yourself in a situation where you had to be separated from your pets. Travel, work, a wedding and even a short trip to the store are some of the reasons that can be very stressful for dogs. The first separations are always the most difficult, so make sure that they are as short as possible in the beginning. For shorter separations, provide the pet with a safe space, provide him with enough interactive toys and remove all objects that may pose a danger to him. In the event of a longer stay, provide a dog sitter, daycare or dog hotel.
New acquaintances
Even though a dog is a man’s best friend, it does not mean that he will love and accept every man immediately and that introductions are not stressful for him. This is often a problem for dogs that have been adopted from shelters and that have experienced some kind of trauma in the past. Despite the efforts and great care of the staff at the shelter, some dogs come to their new home distrustful and scared. Give him time, but also a lot of love and warmth.
If you suspect that your dog is under stress, try to find out the cause and minimize the effect of such a situation on your pet. Provide him with enough attention and activity throughout the day and proper and optimal nutrition. In expected stressful situations, the pet can be relieved with nutritional supplements, specially formulated to reduce reactions caused by stress, but the nutritional supplements must be chosen jointly with the veterinarian. Stress can be the trigger of many diseases, therefore prevention is very important.
