tips for keeping your dog or cat calm

What is pet anxiety?

Believe it or not, pets experience anxiety, and for a variety of reasons. Some pets get stressed when you’re away from the house (otherwise known as separation anxiety), while others might get stressed from external factors like fireworks on the Fourth of July, loud noises, specific people or animals, and more. It’s not fun watching your poor pet get rattled, and sometimes that anxiety can manifest into unwanted or uncomfortable behaviors.  

Signs of anxiety in cats and dogs 

Below are some of the common signs to look out for if you think your pet is dealing with anxiety. 

• Destructive behavior
• Excessive barking, meowing, or crying
• Peeing or pooping inside the house (dogs)
• Peeing or pooping outside the litter box (cats)
• Pacing around the house
• Panting or drooling
• Self-mutilation like licking their feet until red or chewing off their fur
• Tummy issues such as throwing up, diarrhea, or a change in appetite

 

How to support your pet 

The good news is, your pet — and you — don’t need to suffer. There are various calming products, medications, and techniques to help your pet stay calm.

If your pet is anxious while you’re away from the house, predictability can help keep them calm. Make your comings and goings as low-key as possible, and try to ignore your pet the first few minutes after you get home so it doesn’t seem like a big deal (we know that’s hard to do, but trust us). Leaving out a well-worn article of clothing with your scent on it can also help ease your pet’s worries (unless you’ve got a pet who’s likely to eat it). If none of these tips work, ask a trusted friend or family member to pop in on, play with, or watch your pet while you’re away. 

Here are additional tips for dealing with separation anxiety. 

If your pet is scared of fireworks or loud noises, make sure to keep them inside in a quiet space like a basement or closet. Or if they feel more comfortable in a crate, put them in there until it’s quiet again. They might also do better if you or another well-loved family member is there to comfort them.

If your pet can’t handle new people or pets at your house, create a safe space for them with music or a TV, and use a stress-relieving device such as a pheromone diffuser, compression shirt, or new toy.  

The Banfield Shop carries anti-anxiety medications that can support your anxious pet. Remember: You’ll need a prescription from your veterinarian before purchasing one of these medications. Learn more about what dog anxiety medications and cat anxiety medications we have at our store. 

You can find more information about how to help your pet in stressful situations here and here.