Signs of stress in dogs and cats, and how to help your pet

Our pets can get stressed by many things such as new places, changes in routine, new people, new additions like a baby or another pet to the home, and loud noises such as fireworks.

The signs can be easily missed or misunderstood by the animal’s owner, which can lead to behaviour or health issues in the pet.

Experts at national pet charity Blue Cross have put together some top tips on spotting whether your pet is feeling anxious or stressed.

Signs a dog might be feeling stressed or anxious include: 

• Yawning

• Panting—with a curled tongue 

• Pacing back and forth 

• Licking their lips

• Ears pinned back

• Dilated pupils or red around eyes 

• Whites of eyes showing (whale eye)

• Loss of appetite 

• Backing away from someone 

• Tail tucked between their legs 

• Cowering (shrinking or crouching) 

• Diarrhoea or more toileting 

• Shivering (not cold or excited)

• Growling, flashing teeth, snapping or biting. These mean they urgently want something to stop.

Avoiding or removing your dog from a stressful situation will help. Create a space away from children or a bed for them where they won’t get disturbed.

Dogs love their walks! Not only are they good for their physical health but walks will help your dog’s mental wellbeing too by having lots of things to sniff, look at and enjoy.

Many dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions and react to them. If your dog is stressed, keep calm and don’t panic or raise your voice as this might add to your pet’s stress levels.

This can help keep their mind focused and distracted from things they find stressful.  

Spotting signs of stress is more difficult in cats. They will often display a combination of signs, including changes to their behaviour, body language and habits. Sometimes their health will also suffer.

• Avoiding situations or people more than usual and hiding away for longer

• Toileting or spraying in the home

• Increased vigilance or awareness

• Agitation and aggression 

• Overgrooming

• Increased vocalisation

• Not wanting to go outside

• Increased scratching of furniture

• Tense, hunched up body

• Flattened ears

• Dilated pupils

• Increased swallowing or lip licking

• Urinary tract issues or cystitis

• Diarrhoea

• Skin issues

• Digestive problems

• Decline in physical condition

• Lack of appetite

Cats are adaptable, but very sensitive, so changes to their life, owners and environment can affect their stress levels. Some common causes include a threat to their territory (another cat), or being stroked more than they would like.

As cats have a strong sense of smell, changes to the smell of their home can concern them as well.