Most owners can probably tell when their pets are unwell, especially when it involves an injury or illness with symptoms that are hard to miss. But as with humans, emotional problems can be more difficult to pinpoint. Dogs and cats, for example, don’t typically ask for help when they are suffering in this way. Under the circumstances, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of Pet Distress, so that issues can be dealt with before they turn into something bigger.

Dog clues

Every dog is different, but many behave in similar ways when they are upset or anxious. Among the most obvious indicators are whining, barking and trembling. It’s not unusual, for example, to find canines who are afraid of loud noises– an issue discussed in “The Sound of Thunder: Helping Your Dog Cope”–displaying all these signs. However, other signs can be easier to miss or might be mistakenly seen as a temporary reaction to a change in diet or environment. Some of the ones to watch for include:

• The big three: panting, yawning and licking lips. Many of us probably wouldn’t link such actions to anxiety, mainly because this is not the case with humans. When we yawn or pant, it usually means we’re tired or physically exhausted (though there are exceptions, of course). In dogs, this behavior can stem from something different: stress. During long car rides, for example, puppies can become anxious and unsettled. When that happens, they may yawn and lick their lips and noses, and their breathing may become labored.
• Tummy troubles. Dogs that tend not to vocalize very much may reveal their distress in other ways–you may, for instance, see changes in what goes in on one end or what comes out on the other. A lack of appetite or the onset of diarrhea can indicate that something isn’t right with your pet. If the vet can’t uncover a physical reason for what is going on, then it might be the result of emotional problems. Of course, you should always discuss your concerns with your vet to minimize the risk that something might have been missed.
• Body language. Sometimes, pets reveal how they feel in other ways. Physical responses that can indicate your pet is unsettled include his ears being pulled back or a drooping tail. Dogs that are stressed might even cower or crouch down when approaching their owner. While it is not uncommon for an animal who has been abused to act like this, it can also mean that he is suffering from anxiety or distress that has nothing to do with the way he is treated.

Cat cues

Unlike dogs, cats are notorious for keeping their emotions under wraps. Nevertheless, you can recognize Distress or anxiety in your little one if you pay close enough attention to his actions, making it easier for you to know what’s normal and what isn’t. If you detect one or more of the following changes in behavior, it can indicate that something is not right with your beloved pet:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Increased or excessive grooming
3. Hiding
4. Aggression
5. Refusing to use the litter box

As with a dog or other pet, you should not automatically assume such behavior stems from emotional issues–it may reflect a physical problem that has not yet been diagnosed. However, once your veterinarian has given the all clear, you can move on to discovering and alleviating what might be at the root of their anxiety or distress.

Staying on top of pet distress

Some of the issues that can unsettle your pet are unavoidable, while others are preventable. Practically speaking, this means you should be mindful of how he reacts in any potentially stressful situation. In doing so, you will learn what makes him tick and what you can do to make him feel more comfortable and secure. When it comes to figuring out the pet stress cues that may apply, keep tabs on how he responds when faced with the following:

• Unfamiliar people and places
• Moves or temporary relocations
• Loud noises (e.g., fireworks, thunderstorms)
• Separation from family members
• Changes in routine

Once you identify the types of situations that can lead to an unwelcome reaction, you can take preventative measures. These might include giving your dog a blanket with your scent on it when you go to work or he is otherwise left on his own, or administering anxiety-reducing medication–as recommended by a pet healthcare professional–before heading off on an extended car ride.

You should also remember to keep your own emotions in check. Animals respond to their owners’ moods and the level of stress in a dog, cat or other pet will often match the levels that are prevalent where they live. Hopefully, knowing that your pet is not in troubled state should be enough to dampen any anxiety you might have, which is something your little one will be no doubt be grateful for.

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