Tips To Reduce Your Dog’s Stress
Dogs can also suffer from stress and this can cause damage to their mental and physical health. It is therefore vital for your pet that you know how to recognize the symptoms of this disorder and take action.
In this article, we will tell you how to tell if a dog is suffering from stress and how to deal with it.
How to tell if a dog is suffering from stress?
Many are skeptical that a dog can suffer from stress. They think that after all dogs have a comfortable life, in which they receive affection and that they do not have to think about getting food or going out, because the owners take care of satisfying all their needs.
The reality should be this, but the world we live in seems to affect the health of our pets. So yes: dogs also suffer from this disorder.
Of course, stress is not a strictly physical situation, but it does affect the mood and behavior of our pets.
So it becomes crucial, once again, to observe any changes in their attitude, to be able to understand if there is a problem. The most common ways to recognize a stressed dog are:
- Facial expressions. Although dogs cannot speak, they do express themselves with body language, which can tell us a lot about them. For example, the eyes, head or ears could indicate that they are experiencing a temporary or permanent stressful situation. Licking, sniffing or turning the head, as well as showing a submissive attitude at all times, could be unmistakable signs of stress in your dog.
- Verses. Moaning and whining can also indicate that your dog is suffering from stress. These could manifest themselves at specific times due to a particular situation. When they are repeated, however, it could be something prolonged.
- Behavior. For example, walking with your head down, shaking, or keeping your tail low or tucked between your legs are clear signs that something is wrong and your pet needs help.
- Loss of hair, lack of appetite, destructive or obsessive behaviors, repeated attitudes, allergies and other signs that your dog is stressed.
The factors that cause stress in dogs
There are several reasons dogs can be stressed. Let’s see some of them together:
- Moving. Dogs are routine animals, who get used to doing the same thing every day and staying in the same place. When this routine is changed, they may suffer from stress. Even if a move is short, your pets can be affected more than you think.
- The master. Everything you do has a positive or negative influence on your dogs. For example, if you are stressed, they become stressed. Likewise, if you are experiencing a conflict situation and treat them harshly, you will create fear in them, which will turn into anxiety and stress.
- Arrival of other pets. This could be included in the changes in habits, but you could also see it as a land invasion that your dog may feel uncomfortable with.
How to reduce stress in dogs
Once we learn how to identify stress and what it causes, let’s see what to do to help our pets.
Get used to change
Dogs are stressed when they feel that something is out of control, so if a change in routine, a move or the arrival of a new pet is unavoidable, don’t do it overnight – give it time to gradually get used to it. new situations in his life.
Provide a quiet space
Being with a family with a new pet may not be what your dog needs. Then worry about giving him a quiet space to retreat to when there is too much hustle and bustle. If you bring a new pet into your home, it is essential that everyone has their own space.
Play with him
It is the best way to stimulate the mind and reduce stress in dogs. Walk together, play ball or interact with new games.
If after trying all this you do not notice any changes, do not hesitate to organize a visit to the vet, to give the right attention to your pet.
