Why Is My Dog Stressed Out?

Many pet owners may at some point deal with their pets becoming stressed out or showing signs of anxiety in certain situations - or even all of the time! It may come out of nowhere, or it might be a problem that you have been dealing with since bringing your pet home. For some, a stressed pet can lead to a stressed owner, especially if you’re unable to uncover the source.

For the best understanding of what could be causing your pet’s anxiety, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian and also an animal behaviorist.

Here are a few of the most common pet stressors:

• Separation Anxiety: Many pets do not enjoy being left alone in the home and being away from their family. If you find that your pet is stressed when you return home after being out of the house for a while, or that your pet is displaying destructive behavior while you’re away, this could be the reason.
• Thunder: Loud noises can be extremely bothersome to many animals, especially since they have very sensitive hearing. There are a lot of solutions that can help to relieve some of the nervousness that pets experience during storms - ask your veterinarian for advice on the best course of action for you.
• Children in the Home: Though your dog may love your children, it’s possible that they also cause them a high level of stress. Children can be loud and move in ways that are threatening to dogs. They also can tend to play too rough, and they won’t necessarily be able to recognize the signs that they’re making their dog unhappy. Make sure that your pet is getting some time away from your young children, and that you explain to your kids the best way to be respectful of your dog’s personal space and health.

If you’re concerned that your dog may be experiencing stress or anxiety, make an appointment to speak with your veterinarian today.