How to recognize stress in pets
Did you know that just like humans, our furry companions can also experience stress? Here are a few pointers in identifying stress in your furry friend based on their posture and changes in behaviour.
Common signs of stress and behavioural decline:
- Excessive vocalization
- Lack of normal self-maintenance behaviour i.e. eating, grooming
- Excessive grooming, possibly causing injury
- Depression, listlessness
- Stereotypies such as spinning or compulsive behaviour
- Inappropriate elimination
- Feigned sleep
If you have an animal exhibiting other signs that you are unsure about, please click here for a more detailed list of indicators of stress.
Dogs
Ongoing stressors can cause an escalation of the dog’s state from mild anxiety to aggressive behaviour, as illustrated in the diagram below:
For more information, click here.
Cats
Ongoing stressors can severely impact or compromise a cat’s immune status and physical health. See below for graphic examples of progressive states from mild anxiety to defensive aggression.
For more details regarding behavioural signs and postures, click here.