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Since your pets cannot verbally tell you when they’re feeling stressed, it’s important to watch their body language for stress signals. Every pet is different in how they show their inner feelings, but once you know their signals, you can help calm them down fast. If you’re not sure where to start with all this, simply look at this guide to learn the top four signs your pet is stressed and what to do about it.
When faced with an immediate stressor, like a loud noise or strange object, many pets will bolt away in search of somewhere to hide. They may also react in this way when their routine changes and their life feels out of control. If they feel like the stressor is still affecting them in the first spot, you may notice your pets going from place to place in search of a better hiding place.
Stressors can leave many pets on patrol mode and on guard to protect their territory from the threat. When this happens, your pet will probably quickly move from window to window in search of the source of their heightened stress levels. If they notice anything amiss, they may start making a fuss or could even go run and hide.
Whining, barking and yowling are also ways pets try to handle the stressful feelings and gain control of their environment. These actions are wholly self-soothing and serve to alert you to the problem. The vocalizations are as close to talking as pets can get, although it’s not exceptionally helpful if your pet is normally quite vocal.
Pets are prone to drooling as their stress levels rise. This behavior often comes with wide eyes, panting and a stiff body posture. If your pet already drools quite a bit, then these additional behaviors can help you know if the excess saliva is from stress or just a normal part of the day.
Upon noticing that your pet is feeling more than a little stressed, you can act quickly to help calm them down by:
If your pet is feeling stressed before you head out to look at houses for sale or while preparing to show your own home, then put a 30- to 60-minute exercise session on the schedule. By helping your pet work out all their nervous energy beforehand, they will feel much calmer for the rest of the day.
Once you know how to respond when your pet is stressed, you can help them calm down fast and end the stress cycle faster. They will eventually learn to look to you for support with how they are feeling, helping maintain a chill household no matter what’s going on that day.
My name is Karen Svites. I am a top producer, real estate consultant for buyers, sellers and investors in the Asheville area for over 17 years. I have lived in North Carolina since 1994 and have called Asheville my home and place to raise my wonderful children. I am blessed to live here and be a part of this vibrant community. I enjoy the people, seasons, culture and many outdoor activities available to me.
