Ignite FB Tracking PixelHow to Tell if Your Move is Stressing Your Pets Out and What to Do About It - Brenda K. Love
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How to Tell if Your Move is Stressing Your Pets Out and What to Do About It

by Brenda K. Love 06/13/2021

Photo by Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay

Since your pets cannot verbally tell you when they’re feeling stressed, it’s important to watch their body language for stress signals. Every pet is different in how they show their inner feelings, but once you know their signals, you can help calm them down fast. If you’re not sure where to start with all this, simply look at this guide to learn the top four signs your pet is stressed and what to do about it.

Seeking Out a Place to Hide

When faced with an immediate stressor, like a loud noise or strange object, many pets will bolt away in search of somewhere to hide. They may also react in this way when their routine changes and their life feels out of control. If they feel like the stressor is still affecting them in the first spot, you may notice your pets going from place to place in search of a better hiding place.

Pacing Around the House

Stressors can leave many pets on patrol mode and on guard to protect their territory from the threat. When this happens, your pet will probably quickly move from window to window in search of the source of their heightened stress levels. If they notice anything amiss, they may start making a fuss or could even go run and hide.

Whining, Barking or Yowling

Whining, barking and yowling are also ways pets try to handle the stressful feelings and gain control of their environment. These actions are wholly self-soothing and serve to alert you to the problem. The vocalizations are as close to talking as pets can get, although it’s not exceptionally helpful if your pet is normally quite vocal.

Drooling More Than Normal

Pets are prone to drooling as their stress levels rise. This behavior often comes with wide eyes, panting and a stiff body posture. If your pet already drools quite a bit, then these additional behaviors can help you know if the excess saliva is from stress or just a normal part of the day.

How to Help Your Pet Calm Down

Upon noticing that your pet is feeling more than a little stressed, you can act quickly to help calm them down by:

  • Offering them verbal reassurance and a gentle pat
  • Removing them from the stressful situation
  • Letting them rest in their den until the feelings pass
  • Playing calming music at a low volume
  • Distracting them with a fun game

If your pet is feeling stressed before you head out to look at houses for sale or while preparing to show your own home, then put a 30- to 60-minute exercise session on the schedule. By helping your pet work out all their nervous energy beforehand, they will feel much calmer for the rest of the day.

Once you know how to respond when your pet is stressed, you can help them calm down fast and end the stress cycle faster. They will eventually learn to look to you for support with how they are feeling, helping maintain a chill household no matter what’s going on that day.

About the Author
Author

Brenda K. Love

With over 10 years experience serving the Dallas and metro area, I am dedicated to providing my clients with outstanding customer service and to earning the referral business of my clients. I focus on family values and customer service. I have made a lot of friends in this business. Constant communication is a big part of my success. Proven professional who brings knowledge, skill and care to every transaction. I would love to be your realtor and if you know of anyone who is thinking about buying or selling a home or would just like additional information about property values in my area then call, text or email me today. If you or someone you know are a veteran, firefighter, policeman, teacher, doctor, nurse contact me about special incentives. If you or someone you know has a blemish on your credit report and is not in active bankruptcy contact me about a new company that can help you get into a home. If you need a reputable credit repair company that will give you help to get back on the right track then I have a great company. If you want to purchase a home but still don't have enough saved there are still available funds to help you with that. Are you or someone you know relocating to the Dallas area? I have helped families relocate here. I understand your family's needs. Certifications: New Home Construction, Senior Designation, American Warrior, First Time Home Buyer, EPRO,Relocation