We all know how stressful it is to be constantly concerned with work deadlines, big changes or daily misfortunes. However, did you know that our furry friends can also experience stress? Most importantly, do know how much that affects their overall well-being?
Sleeping Habits
When your pet is under distress, one of the first signs to be noticed is an increased sleep pattern. After living with your pet for a little while, you will become familiar with their unique sleep cycle. Even though cats and dogs require much more sleep than humans, in case you start noticing that your pet is sleeping more than usual and is constantly fatigued, you should consider contacting your veterinarian. This is important, as it could be a sign of stress, trauma or even sickness.
Immune System
As with humans, being stressed also affects our pet’s immune system. That is due to their stress hormones that cause a decrease in the production of white blood cells. These are responsible for the creation of antibodies that are key for protection against viruses and bacteria. In consequence, a distressed cat or dog will have higher chances of developing a possible illness.
Appetite
Prolonged levels of short-term stress or anxiety can result in a reduced appetite or, in more extreme cases, it can result in your pet not eating at all. This is due to chemicals such as adrenaline being released, triggering an increased heart rate, breathing and blood pressure as an acute stress-response. On the other hand, long-term stress can cause an increased appetite, which is seen mostly in cats.
However, when using their food packaging label as a guide on how much food they should be eating, keep in mind that healthy cats and dogs eat only around 60% - 70% of the amount stated.
It's important to seek veterinarian care whenever you notice any changes in your pet’s eating habits, as it could not only indicate stress, but also pain or a medical emergency.
Isolation
Even though our pets may sometimes enjoy some time alone, constant isolation from other household members and animals is a big red flag that should never be ignored. Your pet’s social interactions are fully based on their mood and overall well-being. If you notice that your furry friend has been staying in their own corner and not socializing as usual, you should consider taking action to help pinpoint and relieve their stress-related triggers.
Helping your pet overcome stress is not as difficult as it sounds. For example, reducing environmental factors such as exposure to noise, different routines or big crowds is a good start. In case of unexpected events, we recommend carrying our organic 3-in-1 NaturoSpray around. Whenever your pet starts to feel anxious, our spray will create a relaxed environment and allow them to be at ease! Most importantly, in order to help your animal chill out, make sure that your pet has a comfortable safe-zone. NaturoPet also offers natural pet beds that provides unmatched luxurious comfort for your pets, offering a cozy sleep environment for your best friend!