Stress in cats, stress in the dog

Stress is a natural reaction of the body and an intrinsic part of life. In the world of dogs and cats, it takes a different shape from that of people. However, the mechanisms and trigger factors are largely similar.

Let’s take a closer look at what stress is, how to manifest ourselves and how we can help our pets in such situations.

Stress is a state of general mobilization of body forces in response to stress stimuli. The central nervous system is responsible for this series of reactions. The activation of neurons and the subsequent transmission of nerve impulses occurs in a priority way, while other stimuli responsible for the coordination of the different life processes inhibits. Therefore, this chain of body processes is often associated with irrational actions, unrecognition of the environment, aggression or, on the contrary, frost and immobility.

Depending on the predominance of control factors, the stress reaction to individuals can become aggressive or depressive and long -term stress can even lead to psychosomatic diseases.

There are three stress phases: initially – alarm, adaptation and exhaustion of the body’s resistance.

Causes of stress in dogs and cats

The most common stress factor for pets is a sudden change in their environment. This is a fairly large concept and includes, among others:

– the absence of the master or the complete replacement of
– arrival of a new family member or a new animal
– Change the current diet
– Transfer, move
– excursion

Other factors can be: excessive noise, vibration or temperature, cuts and wounds, pain and discomfort. In addition, the frequent stress factors include storms, fireworks, road works or renovations, made fun of the animal, quarrels in the apartment and veterinary visits.

In the case of cats, situations such as the shift of a new cat owned must be taken into consideration. It happens that the Casss are not aware of these changes, do not hear and listen to the occupant of the cat, and the domestic cat no longer eats, begins to facilitate the litter, begins to attack or hide. In addition, cats often experience stress reactions after wearing various types of clothes, collars and, worse, bells and claw protection. Cats have a very sensitive skin and this type of decoration causes a stimulation and great discomfort to which the cat cannot make it, and the scratches are a natural behavior of cats, necessary to maintain mental health.

Depending on the individual, dog or cat and his character, the stress factor can be practically any new and unknown, any shade and changes in the environment. Therefore, every time they influence it, we should introduce changes with sweetness and always give the animal a safe place and our support.

Symptoms of stress in dogs and cats

A dog or stressed cat can become uncertain and withdrawn, reluctant to leave the hiding place or the game.

Any sudden change in the behavior of our pet should be a warning sign that something we don’t notice can happen, but our pet does it. Under the influence of stress, the animal begins to behave unusually but depends on the individual characteristics and each animal will present a different spectrum of actions, for example

The most common signs of stress in dogs:

– Loss of appetite or, on the contrary, by throwing the food and devouring them in larger quantities

– muscle tremor

– Avoid visual contact

– Disorientation

– It hides

– the sudden destruction of objects

– crushed and barking without too many reasons

– Nervous reaction to the lowest noise

– frequent salivation

– Inability to find a place to sit

The most common symptoms of stress in cats:

– furnish the fur and the snack of the tail

– Sat

– loss of appetite or, on the contrary, by throwing the food and devouring it in large quantities

– attacks on caregiver and other animals in the house

– Acade or keeps out of being comforted

– There is no more hygiene or care of the cat fur

– the destruction of objects or just a single object

– It is possible that your cat has diarrhea due to stress

– defect outside the litter or sudden and panic off the litter, marking the area

– Problems with the execution of physiological needs

– Avoid contact

– the pupils constantly expanded and a mustache thesis

– often saliva

– Inability to find a place to sit

One of the most serious examples of stress is the car -elp – licking or even bite the fur in some areas of the body can lead to serious injuries and complications.

How do you destroy the cat? How does it get rid of stress dogs?

The activity of the caregiver regarding the response to stress in cats or dogs should start from the dog’s adolescence: to know the world and the processes involved take place around 10-14 weeks. This is important because the puppy should be with his mother and brothers during this period. The younger animals should not be weaned, as this can increase stress reactions even in basic situations in the coming years.

On the other hand, after weaning, another socialization process is important, which provides for contact, initially minimal and controlled, with any potential stress incentive and, to an appropriate response, the animal should be rewarded. The abnormal responses and stress reactions should not be praised and even less rewarded, for example for comfort.

If a dog or cat is already stressed, it is important to find the cause. If the cause is not obvious at first sight, it is better to do a basic examination by a veterinarian: emogram, ionogram and, in the case of animals that make their needs in unusual places and a faecal and urinary examination. Determine the cause of stress will help it significantly to fight it.

Ideally, the stress factor should be eliminated, but if this is not possible, there are more ways to relieve stress.

In the case of cats, it is preferable:

– give them a safe place and the most peaceful possible

«From time to time, encourage them to do activities, preferably with long -term toys, which will reduce the possibility that stress can break on us

-Anters a hunting sequence, more about a separate text -in short, insert a constantly daily rhythm -> reward by offering a meal -> cat for the cat fur (the cat is washed alone, we can encourage it, for example, with its delicate brushing) -> rest and sleep. Try to maintain a routine

– Insert interactive attractions to make the cat think – for example, olfactory carpet, toys with goodies

– Provide different levels on different levels (very high, hidden, down, etc.).

In the case of dogs, the best is:

– Increase in the activity, plus walks

– A place to hide

– Interactive game

– In case of extreme stress, a special security link, for example a bandage can be used

We strongly recommend that you do not administer strong sedatives or quiet tablets for your dog. Sedative drugs for your cat or dog should always be prescribed by a veterinarian and their use should be made under his supervision. This is particularly important in the case of sick animals that already take medicines. The sedatives, even the natural ones and of herbs, can interact and cause various side effects that are difficult to predict.

For yourself, you can introduce relaxing preparations, for example, of the type to calm. In addition, agents in the form of scratches can be used to calm the dog. These anti -strss preparations are delicate and do not have a direct effect on the animal’s body, but only indirectly, by the smell or spread of the pheromone. However, when you decide on this preparation, it should be borne in mind that it camouflages the core of the problem and mitigates only the existing effects. If the real cause of stress is not known, their use is not recommended. Delicate sedatives can be used as an adjuvant to therapy or treatment in progress.

It is important to monitor the behavior of the dog or cat, in order to quickly detect changes, react in time to them and try to minimize them. It is important to remember that stress is part of your daily life, but it is important to try to minimize it and teach your dog or cat how to deal with it.

Karolina łuszczyk

Photo: Canva.com