Expert Tips from Animal Behaviourist Jessica Prinsloo: Identifying and Managing Stress in Pets

• What are the most common causes of stress in pets, and how can owners identify them?
• How can changes in a pet’s behaviour indicate that they are experiencing stress?
• What are some effective techniques for reducing stress in pets during travel or relocation?
• How can pet owners create a calming environment at home to help alleviate their pet’s stress?
• Are there any natural remedies or products that can help reduce stress in pets?
• How can regular exercise and mental stimulation help in managing a pet’s stress levels?
• What role do routine and consistency play in reducing stress for pets, and how can owners maintain this?

Pets, much like humans, experience stress due to various factors in their environment and daily lives. Understanding and managing this stress is crucial for their overall well-being. In an insightful interview with Jessica Prinsloo, an animal behaviourist, we delve into the common causes of stress in pets, how to identify these signs, and effective techniques for alleviating stress. Jessica shares her expertise on creating a calming environment at home, natural remedies, and the importance of routine and mental stimulation in managing a pet’s stress levels.

What are the most common causes of stress in pets, and how can owners identify them?

First, it’s important to understand that stress isn’t always bad. It’s a normal part of life and essential for survival. However, chronic stress or anxiety can be detrimental. When we think our pets are stressed, we might project our feelings onto them, interpreting their stress as something bad. It’s crucial to remain objective when assessing their stress levels.

Stress responses can vary between animals. What stresses a dog might not affect a cat and vice versa. Some common causes of stress in pets include drastic changes, such as moving homes, bringing in a new pet, or changes in the owner’s availability. Medical issues can also heighten stress responses, as can loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, especially if pets are not accustomed to them. Limited socialization can also cause stress, as unfamiliar situations become overwhelming.

How can changes in a pet’s behaviour indicate that they are experiencing stress?

Behavioral changes are key indicators of stress. If a pet starts behaving differently than usual, it could signal stress or illness. For instance, a change in appetite is significant. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can suppress appetite. Other indicators include compulsive behaviors, such as excessive barking or meowing, destructive behaviors, increased clinginess, or, conversely, withdrawal and isolation.

Additionally, inappropriate elimination, such as urinating or defecating outside the litter box or designated area, can indicate stress. In cats, lying in the litter box is a strong indicator of stress or illness, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

What are some effective techniques for reducing stress in pets during travel or relocation?

I use a three-point method: preparation, intervention, and decompression. Before travel, desensitize the pet to the event. For instance, crate train them by making the crate a comfortable space with familiar blankets and feeding them there. Gradually acclimate them to car trips to avoid negative associations.

During travel, bring familiar scents like a favorite blanket and use pheromone diffusers like Feliway for cats. Herbal blends can also help. If these measures aren’t enough, consult your vet for short-term anxiety medication.

After travel, create a calm space with familiar items, maintain routines, and engage in play to reduce stress. Chew toys for dogs can also be very helpful.

How can pet owners create a calming environment at home to help alleviate their pet’s stress?

The approach depends on the cause of the stress. For example, if a dog is stressed due to fireworks, create a safe space by closing curtains, playing static noise or calming music, and providing chew toys. For separation anxiety, work on a program to help the pet tolerate being alone gradually. For boredom, provide engaging activities.

Overall, it’s essential for owners to regulate their own stress first. Taking deep breaths and staying calm can positively influence the pet’s stress levels. Remember, you need to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.

Are there any natural remedies or products that can help reduce stress in pets?

One product for cats is Feliway, a synthetic version of the pheromones they produce from the F4 facial gland. Cats rub this gland on surfaces to mark their territory, making them feel calm and secure. Feliway mimics this effect. However, it’s quite expensive, available in diffuser and spray forms, and imported from the UK, costing around a thousand rand for a small bottle.

Another product is Earthpets Aroma Hydrosol, a calming blend for cats, which is more affordable. For dogs, there’s Adaptil, a diffuser that releases a synthetic version of the dog appeasement pheromone produced by mother dogs for their puppies. Its effectiveness varies, and it’s also costly. Calming collars haven’t shown significant results and can irritate pets.

If natural remedies aren’t effective, veterinary-approved interventions may be necessary. Use essential oils and other natural remedies cautiously, as they can be toxic to pets. Always check with a vet before using any new product to avoid adverse reactions.

How can regular exercise and mental stimulation help in managing a pet’s stress levels?

Exercise and mental stimulation are crucial, but it’s about finding a balance. Different animals have different needs. For example, a Malinois requires hours of physical activity daily, while a Basset Hound needs much less. Bengals and Siamese cats need lots of mental enrichment, especially if they are indoor pets.

Use treat dispensers and puzzle toys instead of food bowls to provide mental stimulation. For working dogs, like Collies and Shepherds, and active cats, regular training and enrichment are essential.

Although exercise uses up energy, it can also be exhilarating, so it’s important to balance it with mental activities. For instance, a mentally challenging task can be more tiring than physical exercise. Allow dogs to engage with their environment on walks by letting them sniff and explore, which is more enriching than a long walk.

What role do routine and consistency play in reducing stress for pets, and how can owners maintain this?

Routine and consistency provide predictability and control, which reduce stress. However, to build resilience, pets need to experience some level of novelty and change within their structured routine. This helps them learn to cope with new situations.

Maintain a basic structure but introduce small, manageable changes to help them adapt. Gradually challenge them to move slightly beyond their comfort zone to build their tolerance for stress and frustration. This balance between routine and novelty helps pets develop resilience, enabling them to handle life’s unexpected events better.