Are you an empathetic person? Can you imagine how things may be stressful to your pet that are not stressful to you?
Things that can be stressful to dogs are things like:
Adding a new family member
Moving
Trips or vacations
Change to a routine or schedule
Come to think about it, these are stressful things for humans too!
Stressed Behavior:
The way pets display their stress or anxiety can be in a myriad of ways such as:
Pacing
Shaking
Stress yawn
Increased sleep
Appetite changes
Digestive issues
Aggression
Whining
Barking
Panting
Flattened ears
Possible Solutions:
If you can identify the cause of their stress, remove them from it, if possible, and let them be alone. Don’t over comfort them with treats, in fact make sure they only get a treat for obeying a command. Redirect their attention with simple commands like sit or stay. This seems to help them get back to a sense of normalcy.
Another commonality between humans and dogs is that one way to relieve stress is with exercise. If you are familiar with a dog’s regular body habits and positions, you’ll be able to distinguish between the signs of stress or sign that they really want that treat in the jar.
Finally, remember, not all stress is bad. Fear is a stress emotion that can keep them away from danger. If you sense that your dog is having an unusual or unhealthy amount of stress, talk with your veterinarian about other behavioral modifications, medications or natural supplements.
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