Sometimes we know exactly what our pets are telling us. It’s almost like they speak our language…or we’re learning to understand theirs. But although expressions of joy are easy to communicate, it’s much harder for pets to tell us when something is wrong. Knowing how to read your pet’s body language so you can tell if they’re feeling stressed or sick is one of the most valuable skills you can have.
Stress in pets does not always have dramatic signs. Sometimes it’s a subtle change in posture or a shift in appetite. Other times it’s a new habit that did not exist before, like climbing the curtains or chewing your shoes. Here’s how to tell when something is off.
Pet Anxiety Awareness Month: Why It Matters
March is Pet Anxiety Awareness Month, so we’d like to shine a light on how common anxiety and stress are in companion animals. Behavioral issues are one of the top reasons pet owners seek veterinary care. But what many don’t realize is that their pet’s behavior problems often stem from stress-induced anxiety.
Stress affects animals much the same way it affects people: it can disrupt their sleep, change their eating habits, and even weaken their immune systems. The sooner you’re able to recognize the warning signs, the sooner you can help your pet feel safe and comfortable again.
What Causes Stress in Pets?
1: Moving to a different house or apartment
Strange surroundings and unfamiliar smells can make moving a very stressful time for pets. Try to make sure your pet feels safe before you leave them alone in your new place. Make sure that from the start they have all their favorite toys, their cozy old bed, and a few items around that smell like you. This will help them get comfortable more quickly.
2: Adding a new baby, pet, or roommate to the household
If your pet is closely bonded to you, they might feel neglected when a new person or pet joins the family. To reassure them, spend a little extra one-on-one time together when no one else is around. Play your pet’s favorite games, give them lots of extra snuggles, and slip them a few treats so they know they’re still your favorite.
3: Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms
Dogs and cats have extremely sensitive ears, and loud noises are not only stressful but painful. If bad weather or holiday celebrations are approaching, set up a quiet spot for your pet to retreat to, under the bed or in the closet where you can block out some noise. Calming aids like soothing music or a “thunder shirt” can also help them feel safer.
4: Separation anxiety
Destructive behavior is especially common in dogs with separation anxiety. If your dog has been urinating indoors, chewing up pillows, toys, and shoes, or howling all day, they might be trying to tell you that they don’t want to be left alone. Try to maintain a consistent daily routine, with set times for waking, feeding, and playing. And if you’re gone for long stretches of time, hiring a dog sitter for a midday walk will help keep your pet from getting so stressed out.
Signs of Stress in Dogs
Your dog is probably your best friend. However, as expressive as they may be, you can easily miss signals of stress if you don’t know what to look for.
Common signs of stress include:
- Excessive barking, howling, or whining
- Pacing, trembling, or the inability to settle
- Destructive digging or chewing
- Flattened ears, a tucked tail, or a hunched posture
- Sudden changes in thirst or loss of appetite
If your dog is showing any of these stress-related behaviors on a consistent basis, it’s worth consulting a vet. Sometimes they could indicate a more serious medical issue. Our team at Lazy Paw can help you determine whether the problem is behavioral, medical, or both.
Signs of Stress in Cats
Cats tend to hide their discomfort, which makes reading their stress signals a little trickier. Signs of stress in cats often show up as behavioral or physical changes.
For instance, your cat might be stressed if they are:
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Over-grooming or getting bald patches
- Acting clingy or aggressive
- Hiding more or avoiding people
- Not eating as much or overeating
- Sleeping more than usual
A stressed cat is more likely to get sick. Chronic stress has been linked to conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), a painful bladder condition. Keeping up with routine vaccines and preventive care is one way to keep your cat’s immune system strong, even during stressful periods.
When to Call the Vet
Knowing how to tell if your pet is feeling stressed is a great first step, but finding a cure is not something you have to do on your own. If your pet’s anxiety is interfering with their quality of life (or yours) it is time to get a professional opinion.
Stress that goes unaddressed can turn into chronic anxiety or physical illness, so the earlier you intervene, the better. The team at Lazy Paw Animal Hospitals is here to help you figure out how to relieve your pet’s stress and keep them healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, because a calmer pet means a happier home for everyone.
Photo by Felippe Lopes on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 3/8/25.