By Robin Young | PREVIEW Columnist
When a person is in a stressful situation, anxiety can manifest itself a lot of different ways: shaking, pacing, fidgeting, blushing — the list goes on. Similarly, animals also exhibit signs of stress, but they often vary from human behaviors.
When exposed to a potentially anxiety-inducing situation — like a visit to the veterinarian — it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of a nervous pet, and how to help calm your pet’s fears. If your pet is stressed at the vet, diagnosis and treatment can be difficult because stress behaviors can mask symptoms of an ongoing medical issue. If an animal is really worked up, it can interfere with the veterinary staff’s ability to deliver care to your pet.
“The biggest benefit of keeping your pet calm is that it helps us make better diagnoses and provide care, plus it helps them receive treatment better when they’re not anxious,” said Shawn Thompson, orthopedic surgical technician at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Overall, it’s a win-win. It only benefits your pet.”
Recognizing
signs of stress
The first step to ensuring a low-stress visit to the veterinarian is to know how to recognize when your pet is anxious. Different species express stress differently, so observing and understanding your own animal’s behavioral tendencies is crucial.
Signs of stress for dogs
• Pacing: Just like humans, dogs are prone to pacing when they’re in an uncomfortable environment. In an effort to avoid the situation, your dog may walk or pace around the room instead of standing still.
• Wrinkled brow: Wrinkles on the forehead or a wrinkled brow can indicate concern.
• Panting, salivating, yawning, or licking lips: If your pet is displaying oral behaviors more often than usual, especially if there is no apparent physical reason for these behaviors, they’re likely nervous. Some dogs may even display what’s called a “spade tongue,” which is when the end of the tongue gets really wide or curls up.
• Sniffing: If there isn’t anything to sniff but your dog is trying to suss out a scent anyway, they’re trying to calm themselves down; sniffing is a calming behavior. Keep in mind that in a more typical environment — like while on a walk — it’s natural for your dog to sniff, and you should let them sniff around.
• Vocalization: Barking or whining can also be a sign your dog is stressed.
Signs of stress for cats
• Hiding: If your cat seeks out a small space in an effort to make themselves scarce, it’s likely they’re trying to avoid an uncomfortable environment.
• Grooming: It’s true cats like to clean themselves, but if they’re doing it obsessively, they’re probably not at ease.
• Urinating or defecating: When a cat doesn’t leave it in the litter box — or has an accident in their carrier or the car — take it as a sign your feline is feeling nervous.
• Vocalization: Growling or hissing is a sign your cat is stressed.
• Eyes, ears, and tails: Watch for dilated pupils, tucked back ears, and a twitching or swishing tail; all can be signs your cat is unhappy with its current situation.
If your pet is displaying any of these behaviors, there’s a good chance they’re not at ease at the vet. With proper preparation and intervention, you can help your pet feel more comfortable during their veterinary visits.
Tips for easing stress
While the vet visit itself may contribute to causing stress for your pet, oftentimes the nerves hit before you even arrive at the clinic. Creating a comfortable environment starts at home, so be prepared to keep your pet at ease before, during, and after their appointment.
• Buckle up: Not all pets are comfortable in the car, and trying to keep an animal calm at the clinic can be challenging when the stress starts on the ride over. If possible, it’s best to place dogs in the far back of your vehicle rather than in the back seat. When the back seat is necessary, consider placing a cover over the space below the seats so your pet doesn’t fall in. Cats and small dogs should be transported in a carrier.
• Keep your distance: The unfamiliar smells, sights and sounds that come with new faces and spaces can be overwhelming for pets. Try to stay away from other owners and animals while at the clinic, as unwanted attention can cause stress for pets.
• Be a good role model: Animals can sense and pick up on our own anxiety, so if you’re stressed, chances are your pet will be, too. Keep calm and show your dog or cat that there’s nothing to worry about.
• Consider medication: If a veterinarian has assessed your pet and prescribed an appropriate anti-anxiety medication, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. The best time to give your pet their meds before an appointment is at home, where they’re comfortable. That way, the medication has time to set in. If anti-anxiety medication is administered when a pet is already anxious, the animal’s stress response can override the medication, rendering it unhelpful.
Sometimes your pet needs to go to the vet for more than just a run-of-the-mill annual exam. If your pet needs any diagnostics — like a CT scan or MRI — or treatment, including surgery or chemotherapy, more specialized preparation can be necessary. Sedation may be required to keep your pet calm during longer procedures. Ask your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s procedure preparation plan.
Countywide yard sale
There will be a countywide yard sale on May 28. You can reserve a space for $50 indoors or out at the Extension building at the fairgrounds. Call (970) 264-5931 for more information and to register.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month (February, April, June, August, October and December) from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid, and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Visit online
Visit us on the Web at https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/ or like us on Facebook and get more information: https://www.facebook.com/CSUARCHCTY and https://www.facebook.com/ArchuletaCounty4H.
