We all feel anxious from time to time. It’s only natural. When we’re in a situation we find stressful, our anxiety level ratchets up. But anxiety isn’t limited to humans. Does your normally cool cat cower during thunderstorms? Does your rough and tumble pooch turn into a frightened puppy when loud noises occur? Does your normally outgoing pet look nervous and stay behind you when they meet someone new? That’s because anxiety can affect animals too.
If this sounds like your best furry (or feathered) friend, there is good news. Though they are suffering from anxiety, you can take steps to decrease their stress level and help them relax.
Common Pet Anxiety Triggers:
Triggers vary for different types of pets, but may include:
- Loud noise: Most pets don’t like loud noises. Thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, fireworks are common triggers.
- Meeting new people: Your fluffy friend may be completely comfortable around you, but getting introduced to new people (or animals) can be stressful.
- Visiting the Vet: Sure your bunny is cool at home, but a trip to the vet is a whole other story. Lots of pets don’t like to visit their doctor.
- Separation: Separation anxiety is common among social pets. While your fickle feline may hardly notice you’re gone, your canine companion may feel completely stressed out.
Signs Your Pet Is Suffering From Anxiety
Anxious pets don’t always act as we expect. Your pet may express anxiety with aggression like barking, growling, hissing, scratching, or biting. They may lose control of their bladder or bowels. Some stressed-out pets exhibit destructive behavior like scratching your couch or chewing your shoes. Some anxious animals will lick themselves incessantly, stripping away their fur and irritating their skin.
Ways To Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety
Now that you know your pet is stressed, what can you do about it? These tips can help your pet feel more relaxed and secure:
- Desensitize Your Pet: Pets fear things less when they are gradually exposed to them. If your pet is terrified of thunderstorms, try playing a recording of one and gradually increasing the volume while you offer a treat.
- Designate a Safe Space: Just like people, animals like spaces they know are safe. Place your dog, cat, or bird in a quiet room during times of increased noise — like when you’re vacuuming.
- Use Pheromones: Pheromones are chemicals that animals produce, and some can calm anxious pets. Pheromones are available in wipes, sprays, diffusers, and collars.
- Get Some Exercise: Daily exercise is beneficial for pets of all types, but it is especially important for anxiety-ridden pets. Daily walks and playtime can make a big difference in your pet’s stress level.
At Make My Day Please, LLC, we truly hate to see stressed-out pets, and we understand that it’s not always easy to dedicate the time that your pet needs. We can help with walking services, pet sitting, pet pedicures, and just good old-fashioned attention. Give us a call at 703-624-3583, and speak with one of our pet professionals. They’ll schedule a free meet and greet, so we can get to know you and your pet. For more info visit our website — MakeMyDayPlease.com. If we work together, we’ll have your pet feeling more relaxed in no time.
MMDP is offering 5% pet care discount to local First Responders, Military/Veterans, and Seniors.
The Nextdoor community voted Make My Day Please best local pet sitting company. We are honored and would like to give back to our neighbors. Established in 2009, MMDP is proud to offer a 5% discount to those who have kept us safe during this difficult year. We appreciate you and are thankful for you. You have given your all. We are also aware that the seniors in our community have suffered fear, isolation and health concerns. MMDP is here for your furry loved ones when the time is right.
This offer applies to new and current clients. If you area a First Responder, Military/Veteran, our one of our amazing seniors (65 or older), please mention this with your inquiry.