One of the many things we love about dogs is their uncanny ability to sense how we feel. When you are feeling down, your dog somehow knows to comfort you. When you are happy, your dog is eager to play and share in the joy.
Since dogs are sensitive to human emotion, it makes sense that when their humans are stressed, their behavior may be impacted. Staying attuned to potential triggers, educating yourself on the signals of stress in your dog, and understanding how to help manage their stress can help you keep your pet calm and happy.
What are some potential stress triggers for pet owners that might also stress our dogs?
Shifts in our daily routine
Changes in our daily routines can be stressful for everyone in the family – including our canine companions. For example, many families experience higher stress levels as they transition from laid-back summer days to busy fall schedules. Along with general stress from changing routines, pet owners might also worry about leaving their dog home alone more often, if the family’s new schedule requires more hours away from home. Dogs can pick up on this feeling creating a negative feedback loop that will only increase signals of stress. This separation-induced stress can be a difficult issue to treat because the pet owner leaving can be a daily event. The long term effects of this daily stress can have a significant effect on your dog’s overall health, and over time, they can show their distress by engaging in destructive and aggressive behaviors.
Leaving treats hidden around the house, setting out a long-lasting chew toy, or putting out some interactive toys to keep them stimulated can help your dog manage their boredom and stress.
Changes in our household
Bringing a new puppy home? Sending a teen off to college? Moving grandma into the downstairs bedroom? Major changes in your household can present an exciting and stressful time for the whole family. Not only can your dog sense your stress levels rising, they may feel their own stress from a new pet or new person being introduced to the home, or if their favorite person is suddenly missing. When potentially stressful changes happen in your home, be on the lookout for signs your dog may be stressed, such as pacing, over-grooming, or destructive behaviors.
Decrease in our activity level
A decline in exercise can lead to pent up energy and boredom for both people and pets! Fitting plenty of exercise into your both of your schedules can help. As with many people, a regular routine, exercise, and activities to alleviate boredom are extremely helpful in keeping your dog calm and stress-free.
Other potential stress triggers to look out for
- Noise: Often triggered by unexpected noises such as thunder or fireworks, noise phobias are one of the most common sources of stress for dogs. A scary sound may cause dogs to whine or cry, hide, pant, pace, tremble, or drool excessively. Noise phobias often get worse over time, as your pup’s fear reaction increases with each loud event.
- Vet visits and other trips: Visits to the veterinarian, car rides, kennel stays, or grooming visits are other common causes of stress in dogs.
- Discomfort: Joint discomfort or increasing cognitive issues can also induce signals of stress in senior dogs. If a dog is uncomfortable or has had a very active day, they may show their discomfort in a way that looks a lot like stress. Panting, pacing, and an inability to settle down are all signs of discomfort and can look quite similar to signs of stress.
Dogs are so sensitive to human emotion and to their environment…
It makes sense that when their humans are stressed or routines change, their behavior may change for the worse. Knowing as an owner how to keep your pet healthy, staying attuned to potential triggers, and educating yourself on the signals of stress in the dog can help you to help your pet stay stress-free and happy.
ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA for dogs can help!
If administered 1.5–2 hours prior to the triggering event, ElleVet Calm & Comfort helps keep your dog calm without sedating, allowing them to calmly manage the event, whether it’s a trip to the vet, or the first day with a new puppy in the home. For daily support, our CBD + CBDA chews, oils, and soft gels are a great choice to help improve their quality of life by promoting calm behavior.Â
