You want your pet to feel safe and comfortable, and the way you handle them is essential to reducing their stress. Our team at Oriole Road Animal Hospital cares for your pet using low-stress handling techniques to provide them with a positive veterinary experience. You can use these same techniques at home to create a calm oasis for your favorite furry friend.
Understand stress in pets
Like people, pets can experience stress. Stress can significantly affect your furry pal, and potentially lead to significant behavioral problems and health issues. Many situations can trigger your pet’s stress, including:
- Environmental changes — Changes to your pet’s environment can cause them extreme stress. Examples include bringing home a new baby, having construction work done inside or near the home, moving houses, and rearranging furniture.
- Illness — Certain illnesses often cause stress in pets.
- Boredom — Pets who aren’t properly mentally and physically stimulated are often stressed.
- Schedule changes — Pets like a daily routine, and schedule changes, such as when the school year starts, can cause stress.
- Pet conflicts — Pets–especially cats–can become stressed when another pet is introduced to the family.
- Parties and holidays — Gatherings involving unfamiliar people, loud music, laughing, and talking, can frighten your pet.
- Loud noises — Thunderstorms, fireworks, and construction noise are common stressors, especially for dogs.
In addition to understanding what can cause your pet to become stressed, you must also learn to recognize the signs. Pets’ stress signs vary and may include:
- Lip licking
- Yawning
- Dilated pupils
- Panting
- Whining
- Pacing
- Flattened ears
- Drooling
- Cowering
- Barking or hissing
- Raised hackles
- Diarrhea
Create a calm environment for your pet
Creating a calm environment for your pet at home supports your furry pal’s physical and emotional needs and ensures they feel secure and stress-free. You can create a calm environment at home by following these tips:
- Create a safe space for your pet — Designate a specific area in your home where your pet can retreat and relax. This could be a spare bedroom, a cozy closet, or a crate. Ensure this space is quiet and located away from high-traffic areas. Furnish the room with a comfortable bed, enticing treats, and entertaining toys and food puzzles.
- Use calming aids to ease your pet’s stress — Calming products can help ease your pet’s stress, especially when paired with other calming techniques. Some of the most common calming products include:
- Soothing pheromones — Pheromones are chemical messages pets share that promote security and comfort. Calming pheromones are added to many sprays and diffusers and can help relieve your pet’s stress. Mist your pet’s bedding or a bandana with the spray, or treat the entire room with a diffuser.
- Compression wraps — Similar to a weighted blanket, a compression wrap applies constant, gentle pressure to your pet’s body, helping them feel secure, and reducing their anxiety.
- Calming supplements or medications — If your furry pal is extremely anxious, ask our veterinarian about calming supplements, or anti-anxiety medications that can help take the edge off your pet’s stress.
Incorporate low-stress pet handling methods
When handling your pet, gentleness is key. Low-stress techniques prioritize your pet’s comfort by replacing anxiety or fear-inducing tactics with a gentle approach. The goal is to build trust between you and your pet by creating a low-stress environment. When interacting with your pet, follow these tips:
- Approach slowly — Sudden movements can startle your pet. Approach them calmly and slowly to avoid triggering stress responses.
- Observe body language — Animals communicate their comfort level through various body signals. Watch for physical stress or discomfort signs that may indicate your pet needs a break from socializing.
- Use a soft voice — Your pet can pick up on your emotions through your speaking manner and tone. Use a soft, gentle voice to reassure your pet when handling them.
- Provide gentle strokes — Some pets are sensitive about certain body areas such as their paws, top of the head, tail, or ears. Gently stroke your cat’s or dog’s body areas they tolerate, then gradually move to different body parts. Avoid sensitive areas until your pet acclimates to being touched.
- Avoid restraint — Allow your pet to interact with you on their terms. Avoid forcing your furry pal into uncomfortable situations, and give them space when needed.
- Use positive reinforcement — Reward your pet with treats, praise, or their favorite toys during handling to reinforce positive behavior.
By creating a calm home environment and incorporating low-stress handling methods, you’ll strengthen the bond you share with your pet while promoting their overall well-being. Contact our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team to learn how to acclimate your pet to being handled and to schedule your furry pal’s next low-stress veterinary visit.
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