Click for information on your nearest surgery:

News

Could YOUR pet be stressed?

Some stress in the lives of dogs and cats is normal, but it can become excessive and lead to behaviour problems. Change can be a major source of stress for many pets – they can find it difficult to adapt to variations in their environment or routine. Some pets adapt to a change much more easily than others.

Many common situations are stressful for our pets.

Moving house
New members of the household e.g. new pet or baby
Multi-cat households
Sudden noise e.g. fireworks, thunder
Kennel or cattery visit
Grooming
Travel
Being left home alone
Another cat moving into the territory

How do you know if your pet is stressed?

Our pets cannot tell us how they are feeling and coping – but they can change their behaviour and let us know in this way. There are many different ways pets can show stress, and some are more easily recognised than others.

Stress can sometimes be difficult to recognise as some cats and dogs show stress by subtle withdrawal behaviours. They may interact less, hide away and perhaps stop going into certain parts of the house. Cats may also rest in higher places (e.g. top of the wardrobe instead of their usual chair) to feel more secure.

Common expressions include:

House soiling
Habits such as excessive licking and grooming
Changed demeanour or posture
Changes in the use of their environment e.g. stops entering a certain room
Increased hiding or resting in a higher place (cats)
Increased or decreased interaction with other people or other pets
Changes in appetite, sleep patterns and play

Take the quiz, and see if your pet could be stressed.

What can you do if you think your pet is stressed?

Call the practice on 01785 813955 to make an appointment for your pet to be seen. One of out vets will assess if the behaviours shown by your pet are caused by a medical problem which requires treatment.
This may involve tests, e.g. blood or urine tests. we will then discuss management options with you which may include behaviour modification techniques.

How does Zylkène help manage stress?
Zylkène is a natural product, proven to help manage stress in dogs and cats and help them adapt to change. Zylkène has not been associated with any side effects. It is palatable and easy to give with food, and only needs to be given once daily.

Most behaviour problems will also benefit from behaviour modification techniques. A member of our practice team or behaviourist can advise a programme which is right for your pet – this may include referral to a behaviour specialist.

IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY
CONTACT YOUR
LOCAL SURGERY
Click here for information on
your nearest surgery