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For cat and dog owners, your pets are like family, and seeing them stressed can be as upsetting as seeing a human family member having a tough time. While many symptoms of stress, in both cats and dogs, are easy to spot, others can be harder to identify, but suggest your poor pet is going through just as much trauma as if their symptoms were obvious.
We’re taking a look at signs you should be on the lookout for to warn you that your precious pet is having a hard time coping. Some of these anxiety symptoms could be mistaken for everyday behaviour, but are in fact attempts your pet is making to self-soothe.
We also have a few low-tech suggestions on how you can help them cope under stressful circumstances. As ever, if you’re really concerned about your pet’s health, physical or mental, do consult a vet.
Obvious signs of stress in cats and dogs:
- Trembling and shaking – this can be continuous or can come in regular waves
- Hiding – it’s instinctive for animals to try to find a safe space. For dogs, this is likely to be under furniture, while cats like to try to get up high
- Pacing – if they don’t hide, or perhaps before they do, restless behaviour is common during periods of stress
- Barking, howling, and whining – some dogs get very vocal when they are upset, but some may be unnaturally quiet
- Hissing and growling – it’s pretty obvious when a cat hisses, it’s not a happy bunny; both species can let out growls when they are unnerved
- Tail tucking and back lowering – dogs are likely to tuck their tails between their legs, and both dogs and cats tend to lower their back ends
Less obvious signs of stress in dogs:
- Panting – if they have no obvious reason to be panting, it’s likely it’s a stress reaction
- Showing an ‘appeasement grin’ – edges of the mouth are pulled back and up at the sides, likely between bouts of panting
- Yawning – a self-soothing activity, similar to us taking a deep breath
- Licking their lips – another self-soothing action, they may also try to lick you more than they normally would
- Tension in their body – you probably won’t feel this unless you pet them, but your dog may hold themselves tensely
- Raising a paw, or pawing at you – a classic submissive gesture that’s easy to miss
- Holding their ears back – ears pinned flat against the head is a defensive gesture
- Being destructive – this may be a sign of boredom, but can also result from anxiety
Less obvious signs of stress in cats:
- Ears pricked with one ear to the side – this is a classic sign of the early stages of anxiety in cats
- Ears flattened – this will happen when your kitty is full-on stressed or scared
- Eyes open with wide pupils – an instinctive reaction to a perceived danger
- Whiskers are pointed forward – they are assessing the cause of whatever is stressing them out
- Whiskers flat against their head – this is a certain sign that your cat is afraid
- Scratching furniture – relieves tension and marks their territory if they are feeling threatened
If the stress goes on for some time, both cats and dogs can suffer from decreased appetites, in severe cases, ignoring treats you might offer. They may also suffer from digestive issues, which can also lead to accidents in your home.
How to calm your pet when they are stressed
Here are some simple solutions you can try in order to attempt to alleviate your pet’s stress levels.
Let them hide: presuming that where they have chosen to hide isn’t a danger to them, it’s advisable to let your pet hide if they choose to. Check in on them and talk to them in a soft voice to see if you can coax them out.
Give them comfort if they will accept it: there’s no such thing as tough love when it comes to pets. If they will accept attention, give them a fuss! It may distract them from what’s stressing them out, and, at the very least, they know you’re there for them to offer a loving and affectionate presence.
Take dogs out for a walk: as long as the reason your dog is stressed isn’t coming from outside (like fireworks, for example), a walk, even a short one, can give your dog a chance to ‘reset.’
Try to play with them: if they are not too distracted by the source of their stress, offering a fun game you know they like is a good way to try to take their mind off things.
Offering them treats is a controversial option. Some pet owners happily shake the treat box or rustle a packet of catnip at the first sign of stress, but some pet behavioural experts advise against this, as your pets might perceive getting treats as a reward for anxious behaviour.
However you choose to try and calm your stressed pet is down to trial and error to find out what works for your furry friend. You should never chastise a scared pet, as that is only going to make the situation worse. As long as you’re speaking to them calmly in a soft voice, and offering loving, physical comfort (if they will accept it) – you’re doing the right thing.
Why pet insurance matters when stress becomes a health concern
While occasional stress is normal, prolonged anxiety can lead to more serious health issues such as gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions from excessive licking or scratching, weight loss, or even long-term behavioural disorders that require professional treatment. Veterinary visits, behavioural therapy, and prescription medications can quickly become expensive, especially if ongoing support is needed.
Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills related to stress-induced illnesses or behavioural conditions (depending on your policy). Having the right cover in place means you can focus on getting your pet the help they need without the added worry of financial strain. You can quickly compare policies from some of the UK’s leading pet insurance providers via mustard.co.uk, making it easy to compare policies side by side to find the right cover for you and your furry friend. Compare Pet Insurance Now.
Mustard.co.uk is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN: 313860)
