Pet Stress and Wellness

Your pet is an essential member of your family. Keeping him or her health will give them a longer life, and you and your family more time to enjoy their loyal companionship. Pets have health-care needs that are in many ways much like that of humans. Moving is a particular stressor for pets. They are also vulnerable to diseases that only animals can be stricken with, and preventative care is essential for helping them avoid these.

Pet wellness embraces many areas of a healthy happy pet, so learn how you can identify and eliminate pet stress to give them a prolonged, more comfortable, healthier life.

Are you surprised to read that animals have stress? Stress affects our dogs and cats and various types of pets across the board. Pet stress, just like people stress, causes health problems, decrease the quality of life, causes depression, and shortens their lifespan. For these reasons, among others, it is necessary for pet owners to practice pet wellness by identifying if their pet is stressed and using the fundamental techniques to eliminate the anxiety to increase the quality of their pet’s life.

Stress Signs

Excessive shedding: The more stress your pet feels, the more she sheds. Shedding is also frequent with poor quality pet food, poor diet, and due to genetics, or lack of sunlight. Another condition causing excessive shedding is when the pores of the dog's skin do not close all the way allowing hair to fall continuously. Your veterinary doctors can determine if it is an illness or if your pet is under stress.

Aggression: A sick or injured pet may become aggressive if approached or stroked. But if your pet experiences anxiety from being in an unfamiliar environment, your pet’s aggression could be stress-related.Lack of or no appetite: Pets that are stressed, sick, or depressed often eat less or lose their appetite altogether. Poor appetite is another area that needs to be immediately addressed by your vet.

Passive behavior: The opposite of aggression, some pets become passive when under stress. If your usually playful pet seems uncharacteristically quiet, she may be experiencing anxiety.

Itching: Itching is a sign of several things such as fleas, ticks, lice, or a skin allergy; but it can also be a sign of stress if your dog or cat is scratching more than usual. Eliminate the possibility of pests and allergies first. Then, consider what could be causing your pet’s stress.

Happy Pet Signs

- Curious

- Playful

- Shows recognition of people he knows

- Normal stools and elimination habits that are rarely disturbed

- Overall happy appearance and behavior

- A healthy appetite

Stress is not the cause for all problems your pet may encounter, but it should certainly never be ruled out. Give your pet the quality of life he deserves by ensuring his meals, treats, exercise, training, lifestyle, grooming, and environment are healthy ones and appropriate for his breed and age. Giving your pet a wholesome natural diet free from pool qualify ingredients and unhealthy additives will maintain her inner and outer beauty as well as protect her from disease. Maintain your pet’s health further by doing your level best to eliminate pet stress and enhance the length and quality of your pet’s life.

Talk to your professional realtor about homes that provide a pet-friendly environment.