Stressful Moves: Ways to Reduce Your Pet's Anxiety

by Marianna E Perez 06/13/2021

Photo by Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay

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.

Seeking Out a Place to Hide

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.

Pacing Around the House

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 or Yowling

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.

Drooling More Than Normal

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.

How to Help Your Pet Calm Down

Upon noticing that your pet is feeling more than a little stressed, you can act quickly to help calm them down by:

  • Offering them verbal reassurance and a gentle pat
  • Removing them from the stressful situation
  • Letting them rest in their den until the feelings pass
  • Playing calming music at a low volume
  • Distracting them with a fun game

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.

About the Author
Author

Marianna E Perez

Marianna E. Perez is a Real Estate professional with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong resident of South Florida, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in the real estate market. She offers clients top-notch guidance from start to finish, ensuring the entire process is seamless, efficient and rewarding. Prior to entering real estate, Marianna was Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank of Florida. She provided strategic leadership facilitating profitable and efficient origination of real estate loans. Marianna was a trusted advisor to clients and to the bank growing a real estate portfolio to over $300 million. She is firmly committed to the philosophy “not quantity, but quality,” which she practices in both her personal and professional life. Marianna is a graduate of FIU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, a lifetime board member of the BASF (Builders Association of South Florida), a member of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). She is also involved with the Women’s Leadership Council (United Way TNC). In addition, Marianna has received these special industry accolades: Housing Hall of Fame inductee 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Florida’s Best Awards Chair 2016 and 2004 Builders Association of South Florida, Vice President 2008 Builders Association of South Florida, President’s Award 2008 and 2003