Does Your Dog Suffer From Stress?

"Learn How to Eliminate Stress from your Dog's Lives"

Dogs can suffer from stress just as people do. This is a condition that will not be covered by your dog insurance , so it is important to know how to deal with stress in your canine pal.

Dogs have many of the same emotions as people, so it is only natural that when put in a stressful situation they will be affected in some way, just as we are. Dogs are highly sensitive animals, that will deal with certain situations in a variety of ways.

When Do Dogs Experience Stress?

Dogs usually become stressed when there is a change in their home life or a change in the environment around them. Since your life will certainly not be free of change, your dog will experience stress at some point in their lives. It is OK for a dog to become stressed as long as they do not become overstressed by experiencing traumatic events on a regular or an ongoing basis.

How Can Becoming Over-Stressed Affect A Dog's Health?

It is not necessarily a big deal if a dog is exposed to stress occasionally, but if your pet dog is put into stressful situations all the time the outcome could be harmful to your dog's overall health. Stress affects dogs just as it affects people. Were you aware that constant stress will have an effect on your dog's internal defense mechanisms causing serious health problems? Below are some common pet health problems which your dog may experience when exposed to ongoing stress.

An increase in your dog's heartbeat

Reduction in their energy level

Weakness and lethargy

Decrease in their immune system causing them to become more susceptible to illness and disease

The Symptoms of Doggie Stress

Accidents in the house - The number one sign of stress is when a dog begins to have many toileting accidents in the home.

Barking - Extreme howling or excessive barking both inside and outside the house can signal anxiety.

Bad temper - If your dog begins to display behaviour such as growling, snarling and even biting, your dog could be suffering from stress.

Illness - Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, allergies and skin reactions are some of the ways that a dog's body can show signs of stress.

Destructive behaviour - biting, excessive licking or chewing on themselves, or on your furniture.

How to Help Your Dog Become Stress-Free

Try to spend more quality time with your dog

Step up your pooch's exercise regime

Give your puppy or dog a doghouse or a crate so they feel safe and secure

Use discipline and dog training methods to teach them what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.

Do not punish your dog for barking, or causing general havoc, because they will then fear or resent you, and your dog will become even more stressed.

Routine is a key element in developing an obedient, stress-free dog. Your dog needs to feel secure. One way for them to feel secure is by giving them a set time each day so they know when they will be fed, walked and played with on a regular basis. They will become more relaxed if you create a lifestyle filled with these types of routines.