Austin Animal Clinic

Animal Stress

Stress is as real for animals as it is for people and it should be taken just as seriously. You can find out much more about animal stress and how to reduce it by visiting your Austin Animal Clinic, and this article will help you get started.

Causes of Animal Stress

"Animal stress" is caused by the same fundamental reasons that cause stress for people: a lack of control. When there is something new going on at home, such as preparation for the holidays, a new pet or baby, a vacation for the humans, or moving to a new home, pets don't understand what is going on and they feel a loss of control. This lack of control causes them stress.

Reducing Animal Stress

While stress for pets is inevitable, there are measures you can take to reduce their stress and improve the situation. The first sign, however, is to be aware of and recognize the symptoms of animal stress.

Signs of Animal Stress & Your Austin Animal Clinic

• excess drooling
• vomiting
• red eyes
• dilated pupils
• excessive panting
• sweaty paws
• drinking excessive water
• shivering

Basically, anything abnormal about your pet's behavior should prompt a visit to your local Austin Animal Clinic to find out whether the symptoms are those of stress or sickness.

Before Visiting the Austin Animal Clinic

However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your animal's stress before the veterinarian appointment. First, reduce your personal stress. If you're dog is stressed out, you'll often find that you are stressed as well. You and the pet could be stressed for the same reasons, but most likely the pet is feeling stressed because it senses your own stress levels.

Vomiting & Diarrhea in Pets

If the pet is exhibiting signs of stress such as vomiting or diarrhea, don't react to the situation, but rather respond. In other words, don't get onto the pet for their behavior. Focus on responding in a calm manner. If you become stressed over the animal's symptoms of stress, they are likely to respond to your stress with additional stress.

Provide affection for your pet by playing familiar games with them, or provide them with toys that contain food. You could even simply pet the animal and talk to them in a calm manner, providing affection and reducing their stress and your own at the same time.

Optimal Care for Animal Stress at Austin Animal Clinics

The most important thing to do when you believe your animal is stressed is to take them to your local Austin Animal clinic to find out what is wrong (it could actually be sick) and what to do for your pet.