When you see your pet scared and shaking, your instinct as a pet parent is to soothe and calm them. But when your hugs and cuddles aren’t doing the trick, what’s the next best solution? And how do you know what is the source of the stress and anxiety, so you can help prevent it in the future? That’s where this calming guide comes in handy.
Ahead, we’ll break down the various common causes of stress and anxiety—from separation anxiety to fears and phobias, like loud fireworks and spooky storms—and offer vet-recommended solutions to help calm your stressed pet.
Remember to consult with your veterinarian before trying any calming aid—they can help you rule out any medical causes for stress and anxiety before you pursue behavioral therapies.
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- What Does Stress Look Like in Pets?
- What’s Causing the Stress? And How Can I Help?
- Calming Products To Shop
What Does Stress Look Like in Pets?
Stress in dogs may look different than stress in cats. Here are the signs to look for in your pet.
Illustration: Tiffany Egbert
Is Your Dog Stressed? Watch for These Signs
- Dilated pupils, whites of the eyes showing
- Avoiding eye contact or staring
- Ears flat against the head
- Furrowed eyebrow
- Tremors or shaking
- Yawning
- Licking
- Tail tucked under the body
- Loss of appetite
- Retching
- Diarrhea
- Accidents in the house
- Excessive shedding
- Panting, whining, or barking more than usual
- Increased sleeping or hyperactivity
- Destructive behavior
- Acting especially clingy or hiding
Keep in mind that these signs can also be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
Illustration: Tiffany Egbert
Is Your Cat Stressed? Watch for These Signs
- Dilated pupils
- Avoiding eye contact or may stare at a threat
- Ears rotated or flat against the head
- Furrowed eyebrow
- Arched back and standing on toes when very stressed
- Tail wrapped around the body
- Increased swallowing and licking
- Skin twitching
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Accidents outside the litter box or spraying urine
- Excessive shedding
- Increased meowing or yowling
- Hypervigilance
- Irritable
- Aggression towards household members (human and pets)
- Increased scratching inside the house
- Hiding
Keep in mind that these signs can also be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
What’s Causing the Stress? And How Can I Help?
Fear, separation anxiety and age-related changes are some of the most common causes of stress and anxiety in pets.
Fear
iStock.com/Photoboyko
Fireworks and storms are loud, unexpected and feel like a threat to dogs and cats. But these noise phobias are not the only cause of fear and anxiety in pets. Trips to environments they’re not used to (or straight-up don’t like), like the vet or groomer, or traveling in the car, plane or train can also cause fear-related anxiety. Here are some ways to help.
While Traveling:
- How to Fly or Drive With Your Cat—And Get Ahead of Anxiety
- Moving with Dogs: How to Relocate Without Stressing Out Your Pup
- 3 Travel Tips to Reduce Anxiety in Dogs and Cats
For Fireworks:
- Fireworks Safety: Tips for Calming Your Pet’s Anxiety
For Storms:
- Hurricane Preparedness Plan: How to Comfort Your Pet and Keep Them Safe
- 6 Tornado Safety Tips, Including How to Keep Pets Calm
For Trips To the Vet:
- Vet-Approved Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm at the Vet
- Feline-Approved Tips for a Stress-Free Visit to the Vet
- Does Your Pet Hate the Vet? Try a Fear Free Veterinary Clinic
Separation Anxiety
Chewy Studios
In addition to being separated from their pet parent or family (due to changes in work schedules, for example), separation anxiety can also be triggered by limited enrichment at home (think playtime, exercise and bonding with the pet parent) and changes in your pet’s routine. Here’s how to help your pet manage separation anxiety-related stress.
In Dogs and Puppies:
- How to Manage Dog Separation Anxiety
- How to Treat and Prevent Puppy Separation Anxiety
In Cats and Kittens:
- How To Manage Cat Separation Anxiety
- How To Help Your Scared Kitten Overcome Their Fear
Aging
iStock.com/JohnnyGreig
As pets age, they can suffer from cognitive decline. In dogs, this is referred to as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), and in cats, feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). This is similar to dementia in humans.
In pets with CDS or FCD, they may experience an increase in anxiety, irritability, stress and fear due to sensory, memory and awareness decline. Here’s how you can help.
For Dogs:
- Why Your Old Dog Won’t Sleep at Night—and What You Can Do About It
- Is Your Older Dog Becoming Aggressive? How to Handle Behavior Changes
For Cats:
- How Much Should My Senior Cat Sleep? How to Improve Your Cat’s Sleep Habits
Try These Other Solutions at Home
Chewy Studios
From pet-friendly cocktails infused with a stress relief pet supplement to playing soothing, calming music in your home, here are some other ways to help alleviate stress and anxiety in your pet—and help them find their zen.
- Create a Zen Space for Your Dog to Alleviate Anxiety
- This Piña Colada Inspired Mutt Mocktail May Help Relieve Doggy Anxiety
- 5 Toys to Help Ease Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- How to Calm a Cat Using Pheromones
- The Best Cat Calming Aids to Help Soothe Your Feline Friend
- The Best Dog Calming Aids to Ease Stressful Situations
- De-Stress Your Pets With Relaxing Music for Cats and Dogs
Calming Products To Shop
Shop best-selling, top-reviewed, vet-recommended calming products for dogs and cats. Consult your vet before giving your pet new products.
Here’s to ensuring our fur babies are the happiest, healthiest version of themselves. And now that you’ve helped carve out a safe, calm space for them to thrive in, why not treat them to a special pet-friendly, vet-approved, homemade snack?
