Many aspects of life can be very stressful for pets causing them to behave in an anti-social manner. Pets that are stressed can often become agitated, withdrawn, unsettled and irritable and sometimes even aggressive with owners and other pets. Also they may go off their food, soil or damage the home and avoid all social interaction. Stress can be caused by a number of factors such as:
It can be very upsetting for owners to see their pet’s behaviour alter so dramatically when stressed, but there are things you can do to help.
Some medical conditions can create anxious behaviour in dogs and cats so if your pet has suddenly changed his behaviour, you should ask your vet to investigate any possible medical causes.
Introducing a source of appeasing pheromone to your home can help to calm anxious pets
Dog Appeasing Pheromones are naturally occurring secretions which a new mother produces 3 to 5 days after puppies are born. The purpose of this is to provide a feeling of security and comfort and to reassure the young. Scientists have developed a clinically proven synthetic scent that mimics the dogs appeasing pheromones thus reducing problem behaviour and anxiety in dogs. Tests show that a Dog Appeasing Pheromone can help up to 85% of dogs.
When cats are happy and feel secure, they release pheromone scent marks into the environment. This can be seen when cats rub their faces on furniture and doorways, indicating the cat feels relaxed and more inclined to come back home and rest. Feliway is a synthetic Cat Appeasing Pheromone that has been developed both as a spray and as a diffuser for use in the home which mimics naturally occuring pheromones.
Our practices stock a wide range of accessories to assist with problem behaviour in pets. Please visit one of our practices for advice.
Your local Vets4Pets Veterinary Practice can give you further advice on looking after your pet. Please select your nearest practice from the list below.
