Stress is not only an unpleasant condition suffered by humans - it also affects many of our pets as they too, suffer mental, emotional or physical tension that they are unable to avoid or to cope with. As our companion cats and dogs are unable to tell us when they are worried, tense, scared or frightened it is important that we are able to recognise the symptoms and signs so we can act quickly to prevent stress becoming destructive, harmful or prolonged.

Although unpleasant, dogs and cats, just like people have to learn to cope with periods of 'necessary stress' such as going to the vets, times at boarding facilities or travelling. However, these types of stress are usually shortlived, as once the vet trip is done or the journey over, the reason for the stress has been removed and your pet goes back to his usual emotional and physical state. Some dogs and cats though find many other situations besides the most common above can create anxiety, such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or babies crying. Noise is not the only reason that our pet's can become emotionally and physically unbalanced - high energy levels with a lack of exercise, poor training and socialisation, grief at the loss of a companion and changes to their environment can cause our pets to be physically and emotionally unable to cope with the world we expect them to live in. Prolonged stress can cause severe behavioural and physical problems if left unaddressed.

Signs of stress

• Subdued nature, timidness and a reluctance to do 'normal' activities, such as play
• A change in sleep patterns, pacing, toileting in usually unacceptable areas, a refusal to eat or groom
• Hiding, cowering or shivering when presented with new situations
• Aggression, possessiveness, excessive barking or scent marking
• Over grooming, chewing of paws, destructive behaviour
• Clinginess and a reluctant to leave a person or area of security
• Excess salivation or unexplained vomiting

Dogs are more susceptible to stress as they are wholly reliant on their owners to cater for their physical and emotional needs, whereas cats, who generally enjoy a greater personal freedom can indulge their natural instincts to help maintain a helathy balanced wellbeing. Swiss vets also claim that 'more and more dogs are suffering from stress and burn-out caused by demanding owners'  'They often lick themselves until they were a patch in their fur. Their behaviour is similar to humans biting their fingernails.'(1)

So, if you are feeling stressed and unable to cope with the pressures of work and family life, take a good look at your dog, if he is showing signs of stress it is likely you and your family are too. Do all of yourselves a favour and change your lifestyle, you will all benefit.

Prevention is better than cure, correct socialisation in the earliest days and exposure to a variety of different situations will give your pet a good solid education and the knowledge that the world he lives in can change and alter without it being a threatening or worrying thing. Not all situations can be prepared for though and even the most grounded of pets will find something upsetting or stressful at some time in their lifes. Trips to the vets, fireworks, thunderstorms and a move of home are some of the most common stress triggers. To help your pet cope there are products available - Scullcap and Valerian or Organic Valerian Compound are all safe, natural products that can help a pet remain calm during travelling or a move of home. For those pets who suffer from noise anxiety Behaviour Therapy CD's can help a pet become habituated to the sound of fireworks, thunder, hoovers, etc. over a period of time.

Ref: (1) Ananova Ltd. Dogs Suffer Stress and Burnout 2007