We all want our pets to feel safe and happy, but sometimes, even the most loving home can’t shield pets from feeling anxious or stressed all the time. Addressing anxiety in dogs and cats is an important part of their overall health, but it’s something many pet owners might overlook. Anxiety in pets is more than just occasional fear—it can lead to changes in their behavior that affect their quality of life.

In this article, we’ll help you identify the signs of anxiety in your pets and share how you can help manage their stress, both at home and during their vet visits at Aloha Veterinary Hospital.

Recognizing Anxiety in Dogs

Just like people, dogs can show anxiety in many different ways. Some signs are easy to spot, while others might be more subtle. Knowing what to look for can help you respond to your dog’s needs and keep them feeling calm and comfortable.

Subtle Signs of Anxiety:

  • Pacing or restlessness without a clear reason.
  • Excessive panting or drooling, even when they haven’t been exercising or it isn’t hot.
  • Lip licking or yawning when they’re not sleepy.
  • A tucked tail or lowered ears, signs that your dog may be feeling nervous or uncomfortable.

More Obvious Signs:

  • Whining, barking, or howling unexpectedly.
  • Chewing, digging, or other destructive behaviors that aren’t normal for your dog.
  • Accidents in the house, like sudden urination or defecation.
  • Changes in appetite, such as eating much more or less than usual.
  • Aggression or fear-biting, which might be out of character for your usually sweet dog.

By paying attention to these signs, you can start to understand when your dog is feeling anxious and take steps to help them feel more secure.

Recognizing Anxiety in Cats

Cats may be more reserved than dogs, but they can feel just as anxious. The trick is that cats often show their anxiety in more subtle ways, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on their behavior.

Subtle Signs of Anxiety:

  • Hiding more often or seeking solitude.
  • Over-grooming to the point of pulling out fur.
  • Changes in litter box habits—either using it too much or not using the box.
  • Physical signs like dilated pupils or ears flattened against their head.
  • Tail twitching, fluffed tail, or an arched back, which can signal discomfort or stress.

More Obvious Signs:

  • Hissing, growling, or spitting when you approach or disturb them.
  • Aggression towards humans or other pets.
  • Loss of interest in food, or refusing to eat entirely.
  • Physical symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea that seem unusual.

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s important to recognize them as clues that something might be off emotionally. Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so even small changes can be significant.

Tips for Managing Anxiety at Home

There are several things you can do at home to manage your pet’s anxiety:

  • Create a safe space: Give your pet a quiet, comfortable place where they can retreat when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
  • Stick to a routine: Pets thrive on consistency, so try to keep their feeding, playtime, and sleep schedules as regular as possible.
  • Use positive reinforcement: Help your pet build confidence by rewarding them for calm behavior and using treats and praise during stressful situations.
  • Consider calming aids: Pheromone diffusers or anxiety vests can help soothe your pet during anxious times.
  • Talk to your vet: If your pet’s anxiety doesn’t improve with these steps, your veterinarian might suggest anxiety medications or other treatments to help.

What Is Fear Free?

What about when my pet is stressed at the vet?

At Aloha Veterinary Hospital, we take a Fear Free approach to caring for your pets. This means we use techniques that are designed to reduce stress and anxiety during vet visits. From positive reinforcement and gentle handling to creating a calming environment, our goal is to make sure your pet feels as safe and comfortable as possible.

Using Fear Free methods helps in many ways—it can make exams more accurate because your pet is relaxed, and it can improve the bond between you and your pet because they’ll be less fearful of visits to the vet.

How Aloha Veterinary Hospital Embraces Fear Free

We’re proud to be a Fear Free Certified facility, and our team is highly trained in making your pet’s visit as stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you bring your pet to us:

  • We offer treats and toys to create a positive, comforting experience for your pet.
  • Calming pheromones and soothing music are used to help reduce anxiety.
  • Separate waiting areas for cats and dogs help keep things calm and quiet.
  • We let pets explore the exam room before we start to help them get comfortable with the space.
  • We use a slow, methodical, science-backed approach to recognizing and keeping fear, anxiety, and stress low while achieving medical goals for the visit.

We understand that your pet’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health, and we’re committed to providing care that addresses both.

Your Low-Stress Veterinary Team

By recognizing the signs of anxiety in your dog or cat and taking steps to reduce stress, you can improve your pet’s quality of life. If you’re concerned about your pet’s anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Aloha Veterinary Hospital. Our Fear Free Certified team has significant experience keeping stress levels low and can help you achieve the same at home.

Book an appointment today by visiting our appointment page and take the first step toward reducing your pet’s anxiety and improving their overall well-being.