How many times during the week do you say that you do not feel the best and that you are under stress? Stress has become practically a part of our everyday life and all people have different ways to deal with it. However, our pets can also be under stress and they unfortunately have no way to tell us what they feel and what situations they would like to avoid and in which we often put them.
For this reason, we have listed some stressful situations for pets, so that you can bring extra attention to them so as not to cause unnecessary stress to your pet.
Here are 10 things that, according to veterinarians, can stress out our dogs:
- Wearing sunglasses or a hat – According to Freshpet vice president, veterinarian Gerando Perez Camargo, wearing sunglasses or a hat can bother your pet. As Perez claims, dogs rely on seeing people’s eyes in order to understand their actions and what they focus their attention on. Covering your eyes and face can make your pet insecure about what is happening. Perez advises that while wearing sunglasses, shower your dog with positive attention to convince him that everything is fine.
- Moving furniture – Veterinarian Marie Gardner, one of the founders of the veterinary hospital Lap of Love, claims that for some dogs, moving furniture around the house can cause stress. This is especially true for older or visually impaired dogs. Dogs use their memory as well as smell to move around the house, so moving furniture can cause stress because they do not know where things are, according to Gardner. If you are the owner of an older dog who does not like changes in his environment, she advises you to try to move the furniture one by one.
- Staring at dog can make him nervous – According to veterinarian and veterinary advisor Sarah Ochoe for DogLab, a dog could be upset if you stare at him to a greater extent. Ochoa says dogs don’t like to be constantly watched. Even if you stare at them because they are doing something sweet your dog will think he is doing something wrong. Ochoa advises that you try not to stare at your dog too much while lying on the bed, but that you should definitely pay enough attention to them during the game.
- Tight hugs – Too tight hugs can be stressful for dogs. Dogs like to cling to their hair but don’t like to be held very tight by someone as Ochoa claims. The feeling that they cannot get rid of the hug can cause stress in the dog. She advises that when you pet your dog, be gentle and leave enough space for him to move.
- Loud music – Veterinarian Jesica Kirk claims that loud music or electronics can interfere with dogs’ hearing. According to her, loud sounds can be very unpleasant for your pet’s ears, which can make many of them upset. When your dog is in the car with you, turn down the volume on the radio and always make sure that your pet has a quiet and peaceful place to rest during louder events such as family gatherings or parties.
- Pet Clothes – Many dogs don’t like clothes, no matter how cute it looks. Kirk warns that sweaters, vests and other clothes can create stress to some dogs. Owners should also take care of clothing that prevents the dog from being relieved and free.
- Fireworks – Almost all owners know that the sound of fireworks can be stressful for their pets. In addition to the volume of fireworks, both the smell and the sight of it can be frightening for your dog, as Kirk claims. If you go somewhere to observe fireworks, leave your pet at home with a person you trust. Also, your veterinarian can help you choose medications to calm your pet. Never give medicines to your pet without consulting a veterinarian!
- New type of food or treat – If the food or type of treat for your dog changes abruptly, you may cause your pet to have digestive problems. According to Kirk, a dog with an upset stomach or itching due to a change in diet will certainly cause stress from the inside out. The change of food must always be done over a long period of time and gradually. Also, Kirk advises that you first try to feed the dog a very small amount, then wait and see if there are any reactions to the food before serving him a full meal.
- Smoking – Smoking near your dog can make them unhappy and lead to medical problems. As Perez claims, dogs have an extremely sharp sense of smell, so what is a mild smell for people is much more unpleasant and stronger for them. Also, prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to health problems in dogs such as nasal and respiratory infections, and even cancer.
- Traveling – For many dogs, traveling is a stressful thing. They have to deal with a new environment, smells and new people. No matter what you are with him, it does not mean that your dog is not buried as Kirk claims. If you are going on a trip with your dog, allow him to first get used to spending time in the car before the big trip. Kirk additionally advises you to pack a lot of ordinary food with you, as well as his favorite toys, in order to make him as pleasant as possible on the road.