That irritating or worrying behaviour in your pooch or cat could be something more than normal pet behaviour. I know for example that whenever we go away, my Labrador chews her basket. That’s not just normal dog behaviour, but rather her stress, and there are ways to treat it, according to the experts at Hill’s.
They have an effective range of “stress-less” dog and cat food, with ingredients to help reduce anxiety. There’s Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Stress for cats and Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Stress for dogs that are ideal for long-term feeding.
Unsure if your cat or dog is stressed? Take the online Hill’s Stress-O-Meter www.stressometer.co.za which quickly helps you assess a pet’s stress level. Animals tend to show signs very differently to us (see list of stress symptoms below), so it’s not always easy to tell how your best friend is feeling. If you’re unsure, chat to your vet.
Symptoms of acute stress in dogs
- Licking the nose or lips
- Yawning
- Panting
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhoea
- Tail lowered or tucked-in
- Ears pinned back
- Cowering/crouched body posture and hiding
- Trembling/shaking
- Increased vocalisation e.g. whining, howling, barking
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
Symptoms of long-term stress in dogs
- Difficulty coping with being alone
- Destructive behaviour
- Excessive fear of loud noises
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviour like tail-chasing, self-mutilation etc
Seven ways to help manage stress in dogs
- Speak to the vet for a professional diagnosis and expert advice
- Identify stress triggers and manage them
- Switch to Hill’s Prescription diet i/d Stress, a completely balanced food clinically proven to help manage stress in dogs
- Start a behavioural modification programme with advice from a qualified behaviourist
- Assess lifestyle changes needed
- Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment
- Focus their attention on something else
Lifestyle changes to help reduce your dog’s stress
- Identify your dog’s stress trigger so that you are better able to proactively manage it
- Slowly introduce new people, animals, objects and situations to your nervous dog
- Ensure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours per day
- Create a stimulating environment at home, with chews, toys, indoor / outdoor access and a digging spot
- Regular walks, ideally at least once a day
- Investigate crate training for travelling and at home. Some stressed dogs benefit from a ‘safe’, enclosed space.
- If you have more than one pet, ensure there are enough water bowls, toys, safe places for them all (to prevent competition)
