While humans may be able to express their stress through conversation or physical activity, pets are often much less obvious about their emotional well-being. This can make it more difficult to identify the signs of stress in our pets. Knowing how to recognize the signs of stress in your pet is essential in order to ensure their health and happiness. Keep reading to discover some helpful information from the team at Orting Animal Hospital. 

Physical Symptoms of Stress in Pets 

The most common physical symptom of stress in pets is panting or excessive salivation. If your pet has been experiencing either of these symptoms, it could be a sign that something is not quite right. Other physical symptoms include changes in appetite, sleep patterns, grooming habits, or energy levels. It’s important to pay attention to any sudden changes that could indicate your pet is feeling stressed out or anxious.

Behavioral Signs of Stress in Pets 

In addition to physical symptoms, there are several behavioral signs that you should keep an eye out for when trying to identify stress in your pet. These include excessive barking or meowing, pacing back and forth, hiding under furniture or other objects around the house, or displaying aggression towards other animals or people. If you notice any of these behaviors in your pet, it could be an indication that they are feeling overwhelmed by their current environment and need some extra TLC from you!

Effects of Stress on Pet Health 

It’s important to note that prolonged exposure to stress can have serious health impacts on pets as well as humans! Prolonged periods of anxiety and fear can lead to weakened immune systems, digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting, loss of appetite, heart problems, skin issues such as hot spots or itching due to allergies, and even depression if left unchecked for too long. So if you think your pet may be experiencing prolonged stress due to the holidays (or anytime!), it’s important that you seek professional help from a veterinarian who can assess their condition thoroughly and provide an appropriate course of treatment. 

Conclusion

Identifying signs of stress in pets isn't always easy - but it's essential if we want them to stay healthy! By paying close attention to both physical symptoms like panting/salivating as well as behavioral signs such as aggression/hiding/pacing, we can better identify when our furry friends might need some extra love and support during stressful times. If you're concerned about your pet's mental well-being,  don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.