Stressed out pet?

How to spot the signs and how to deal with them.

Stressed out petscan present to my clinics most days. They are anxious, fearful, resent being handled and some are just plain acting ‘nuts’.
At VETCARE, we have a good saying in the clinic – ‘There are no bad dogs – only not enough drugs.’
This is all very well when we have to handle a pet whose behaviour makes our job dangerous but what about the effects on the pet long term?
Stressed pets deserve to be handled and treated with respect. They are sensate beings with individual needs and personalities.

What to look for:

• wide eyes – dilated pupils
• aggressive behaviour – snarling or baring teeth
• hiding under the chairs
• backing away when approached, hiding in the back of the cage
• barking or whining constantly
• pacing back and forwards unable to settle
• over grooming/licking behaviour
• inappropriate elimination
• running away.

It is important to interpret its behaviour in light of the stimuli with which it is presented. Some good tips are to reduce external stressors. If it is a cat, arrive at the vet early. Ask to wait in a quiet darkened room. Talk slowly and calmly to your cat. If the room is secure, pat it and reassure it that all is well. Cats in particular do well if they are given time to assess their surroundings and take it all in. Too many of us rush this process, are stressed and late ourselves and wonder why our cat wishes to climb the walls rather than show the vet her lame leg.

If your pet is a dog, I recommend you still arrive early, walk around the vet’s surgery if other pets are not around and let them sniff the environment. Do not pay them too much attention, that is, do not look at or talk to your dog. Believe it or not, this only makes things worse, especially if you are worried about the visit yourself. Your dog can smell stress hormones on your skin and can detect your heart rate. Be calm yourself and this will translate to your pet.
A stressed pet deserves compassion.

A calm environment, a gentle connection with you and attempt to communicate with them, use your body language rather than verbal words. Our pets are, after all, mostly non-verbal. Give them strong body language signals that all is well and there’s nothing to worry about.
Breathe deeply and think of your happy place if you need to.

Handle your pet slowly and patiently and ask your Vet to do the same.
Listening and observe your pet before rushing in and poking or prodding them – especially if they are sore.

Stand still and let them come to you when they are ready.
Respectfully talk softly and maintain your own sense of serenity.
Pets mirror our behaviour. They are very similar to young children in that respect.
Ifyou want your pet to be calm, I recommend you be calm yourself. Your vet can assist you in many ways to make this possible. Please ask at the reception desk in advance.
Request a less busy time so that you are not rushed.

Ensure you plan to make visits to the vet a pleasure. A cuddle and a treat work wonders to make the experience a happy one. Start off on the right foot. Plan to make your first few visits fun and happy. Social visits are to be encouraged if your dog is a little timid or nervous. Pop in, walk around, have a treat and then leave. Desensitise yourself and your pet to the new environment. Imagine the smells that your pet will encounter in the vet clinic. There will be a plethora of stimuli to bombard their senses. Give them time to take it all in and check it out.
The relationship between you, your pet and your vet should be a very special one. We are here to ensure your pet lives a long, happy and healthy life. We all have pets ourselves and cherish the relationship with them. Make the most of your experience and ask for help if you are struggling.

If all else fails, you can reduce your pet’s stress with some St John’s Wort tea, spray or capsules. Start with yourself darling. Calm happy owner, calm happy pet.

Dr Heidi Ward-McGrath BVSc
Veterinary Surgeon and Clinician – VETCARE