Texas A&M Vet Shares Simple Ways to Calm Stressed Pets

Your pet's stress is more than just occasional anxiety. It can actually weaken their immune system, raise blood pressure, and increase their risk of serious illness.

The good news? Pets are excellent at telling us when they're struggling, and learning their language can make all the difference.

Dr. Audra Jones from Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine explains that many common situations trigger pet stress. Vet visits, car rides, moving to a new home, and meeting new animals can all overwhelm our four-legged companions.

"Pets may associate veterinary visits with stress related to the pain of injections or treatments, or even the smells of other animals," Jones says. For cats and dogs who are naturally territorial, unfamiliar places threaten their sense of security.

Watch for early warning signs. Both dogs and cats will yawn or lick their nose and lips when they first feel uncomfortable.

As stress builds, pets might freeze, shake, tuck their tails between their legs, or try to shrink away. In severe cases, they may even lose control of their bladder or refuse treats entirely.

Dogs often pant and smack their lips when stressed. Cats typically search for hiding spots or bolt from the situation altogether.

The Bright Side

Pet owners have more power than they realize to ease their companions' anxiety. Staying calm, speaking softly, and removing stressors from the environment helps pets return to a safe emotional state.

Jones recommends "happy visits" to the vet clinic where pets simply explore, meet staff, and receive treats without any procedures. This creates positive associations before stressful appointments happen.

For anxious cats, leaving carriers out days before a trip helps them adjust. Synthetic pheromone sprays mimic the natural chemicals cats release when marking safe spaces, turning a scary carrier into a comfort zone.

"When cats rub against a tree or your leg, they are marking that spot as safe by secreting pheromones," Jones explains. Commercial sprays containing these same chemicals are available and work remarkably well.

Anti-anxiety medications prescribed by veterinarians offer another option for particularly nervous pets. These treatments have excellent safety profiles and can transform traumatic experiences into manageable ones.

Understanding pet stress isn't just about avoiding bad days. It's about building trust, protecting health, and helping our companions feel truly safe in their homes and in our care.