You’re returning from work and looking forward to taking Bosco out for a nice relaxing stroll. Waving to the neighbor who is building a new addition, you step into your house and are confronted by a shredded sofa cushion, a surprise ‘pile’ on the rug, a corner full of vomit or all three. Far from being greeted with jumps and kisses, you see your panting, shaking dog peering out from behind a chair. You open your mouth to scold or shame…Don’t!
Your pet is showing you by his posture and his actions that he has spent a highly stressful day hearing circular saws nail guns, and strange voices next door. And he was afraid.
Let’s face it, you hate it when your neighbor mows too early in the morning; but he does that all the time, so Bosco is not disturbed by that sound at all. While dogs and cats can find similar situations stressful (thunderstorms, fireworks, a new family member a new home or pet), they may demonstrate their reactions with very different behaviors:
Cats show anxiety by:
- Eliminating outside of the litter box (this can also be a symptom of urinary obstruction or infection)
- Following you from room to room as you prepare to leave.
- Excessive vocalization
- Hiding
- Refusal to eat
- Excessive grooming
- Vomiting
Dogs show anxiety by:
- Diarrhea or soiling in the house
- Laying ears back against the head
- Tail tucked under his bottom
- Yawning and licking lips
- Having little or no appetite
- Trembling or shaking
- Hiding and cowering
If your “fur buddy” demonstrates any of these unusual behaviors, it’s time to talk to us.
One of our veterinarians will work with you and your pet to identify and treat the problem, whether it is physical or psychological. If you’re worried your pet is not feeling well or you think he is suffering from anxiety, we can help. Contact us to set up an appointment and find out what’s troubling your cat or dog today.