Stress in pets can arise from many causes and is often difficult to eliminate. For example, many dogs and cats are afraid of fireworks or your pet may have separation anxiety. Stress and anxiety in pets can be recognised by various changes in the animal's behaviour, such as:
Of course, you know your pet best and will be more likely to notice a change in behaviour. The above symptoms are therefore the most common. It is important to first carefully assess where the stress or anxiety is coming from. For example, do you notice that your pet finds it difficult when you go away and when you return you often find destruction or other unwanted things? In this case, your pet may be suffering from separation anxiety. Stress can also arise from a new situation, such as a holiday, or from boredom.
Therefore, always give the animal time to get used to a new situation. Introduce a new partner or family member in a calm way, prepare the animal for a long car journey or plane ride and create a safe place when renovating or moving. Choose a quiet place for this and ensure recognition with its own basket/blanket and toys. Also use the AFP Calm Paws - Pet Calming Diffuser. This diffuser is based on essential oils (valerian and lavender), which have a calming effect.
Especially as we approach the end of the year, more fireworks are set off again. Whereas we are familiar with the (sometimes loud) bangs and colours, pets often don't know where this comes from. The fear of fireworks therefore arises a lot faster and is harder to treat. Of course, prevention is always better than cure, but should your dog or cat have developed a fear of fireworks, there are some solutions and ways to improve the situation.
Start with good preparation. On days when you know there will be fireworks, preferably don't let your cat out and take a small walk with your dog at quiet times. On New Year's Eve, for example, this is fairly early in the morning and around times when most people go to the table to get a bite to eat. Late evening can also be quieter, as people like to wait with the fireworks until midnight. Don't go for a long walk, but make sure your dog has been able to do his or her business properly.
Furthermore, keep windows and curtains closed to keep the noise and bangs out of the house as much as possible. Provide a distraction with a nice chew bone or toy. When a dog chews, endorphins are produced, which have analgesic properties and are also known as the ‘happy hormone’. So fill a kong with some treats or choose one of our Viking bones, which last extra long!
What helps very well in stress situations is a compression shirt. Suitable for dogs, this shirt fits tightly around the body and feels like a nice hug, providing a calming effect. Relaxopets also offer relief in stressful situations. As the Relaxopet emits frequent vibrations that only pets hear, the animal is slowly calmed down.
Also take a look at our range of calming supplements. Research has shown that stress in dogs and cats can be reduced by adding certain nutrients to the diet. Excellent Pets No Stress Mix for dogs and cats contains L-tryptophan, which has a positive effect on stress and anxiety. Moreover, it supports digestion, skin and urinary tract; organs that function less well when stressed. This supplement also combines well with the Excellent Pets No Stress Pasta for dogs and cats. This paste works after only 40 minutes and has an action duration of 3 hours!
