Calming
Why care about calming?
Here you can read all about calming for animals: the common causes of pet stress, the signs of anxiety in cats and dogs, and important steps on how to promote relaxation and calm behavior in pets.
Pets, just like humans, can experience stress and anxiety due to various factors in their environment. Ensuring our companion animals remain calm and feel secure is important not only for their mental well-being but also for their physical health and the bond they share with their owners. By understanding what triggers stress in pets and how to address it, pet parents and professionals can improve the quality of life for dogs and cats alike.
Why Calming Your Pet Matters
Many dogs and cats will face stressful situations throughout their lives. If left unchecked, frequent stress can lead to behavioral problems (like destructive chewing, aggression, or house soiling) and may even impact a pet’s overall health. Just like humans, animals under chronic stress can experience a reduced quality of life. This is why calming care is an important aspect of pet wellbeing. Keeping pets relaxed and stress-free not only helps prevent unwanted behaviors but also contributes to their overall happiness and longevity.
Common Causes of Stress in Pets
Thunder, fireworks, construction sounds, or even household noises can frighten many pets, especially dogs.
Being away from their owners for long periods can cause dogs (and some cats) to feel anxious and upset.
Car rides, airplane travel, or trips to unfamiliar places like the veterinary clinic can be very stressful for pets not used to them.
Moving to a new home, introducing new family members or other pets, or even rearranging furniture can unsettle pets – particularly cats, who are sensitive to changes in their territory.
Pets that do not get enough exercise, play, or mental stimulation may become restless and more prone to stress. A consistent daily routine helps pets feel secure.
These situations can each trigger a stress response in animals. Recognizing these causes allows pet owners to anticipate when their pet might need extra comfort or a calming aid.
Signs of Stress in Dogs
Dogs show stress in various ways. Pet owners and professionals should watch out for these common signs:
- Excessive Barking or Whining: A stressed or anxious dog might vocalize more than usual, whining or barking at minor triggers.
- Panting and Drooling: Panting (when not hot or after exercise) and drooling can indicate nervousness or discomfort.
- Restlessness and Pacing: An anxious dog may be unable to settle down, pacing around the house or appearing unable to relax.
- Destructive Behavior: Chewing furniture, scratching at doors, or other destructive acts often happen when a dog is anxious or trying to escape a situation causing fear (for example, being left alone or hearing loud noises).
- Changes in Body Language: Signs like a tucked tail, flattened ears, trembling, or avoiding eye contact are clues that a dog is scared or stressed.
- House Soiling or Accidents: Dogs that are normally house-trained might urinate or defecate indoors if they become extremely anxious (such as during a thunderstorm or fireworks).
Signs of Stress in Cats
Cats can be more subtle in showing stress, but they do have clear signs to be aware of:
- Hiding or Withdrawing: A stressed cat might hide for long periods (under beds or in closets) and avoid interaction with people or other pets.
- Excessive Grooming: Over-grooming (licking or biting their fur to the point of bald spots or skin irritation) can be a self-soothing behavior for anxious cats.
- Aggression or Irritability: An anxious cat may become unusually aggressive – hissing, swatting, or biting – even towards familiar people or animals.
- Changes in Litter Box Habits: Stress can cause a cat to stop using the litter box properly. They might urinate or defecate outside the box, or spray urine to mark territory when they feel threatened or insecure.
- Reduced Appetite or Overeating: Some cats will stop eating when stressed, while others might eat more than usual as a comfort behavior.
- Excessive Vocalization: Yowling or meowing more frequently, especially at odd times, can be a sign of distress or anxiety in cats.
Calming Solutions Across Our Trusted Brands
In Swedencare’s family of brands, there are several effective calming solutions. NutriScience offers supplements like calming tablets (for example, Kalm Aid) that help alleviate anxiety in dogs and cats. WelliChews™ provides soft chew treats formulated to soothe anxious pets – these chews taste like a treat but contain calming ingredients such as chamomile and L-Tryptophan to help pets relax. NaturVet by Swedencare has a wide range of calming aids (for instance, the popular Quiet Moments® soft chews and other supplements) that use high-quality natural ingredients to promote relaxation. All these products are developed to be safe for pets and easy for pet owners to use as part of a regular care routine.
If a pet’s anxiety is severe or appears suddenly, it’s always wise to consult a veterinarian. Sometimes, extreme anxiety can be a sign of an underlying health issue or may require professional guidance (including medication or a behaviorist’s help). However, for everyday stresses and mild anxious behaviors, using the right calming techniques and products can make a big difference in your pet’s life.
Be proactive and observant: the key to managing pet stress is to address issues early. Pet parents and pet care professionals should watch for the first signs of anxiety and intervene before the problem escalates. By keeping pets calm and comfortable, we improve their quality of life and strengthen the trust and bond we share with them. A calm pet is not just happier – it can also live a healthier, more balanced life alongside its owner.