The adaptive responses of an animal’s body to internal or external environmental stimuli can be understood as stress or stimulation. When a pet’s living environment changes, such as moving, renovation, the addition of a new pet, or long-distance travel, or when there are changes in their daily routines, such as losing a long-time companion, losing their owner, or altering their activity patterns, it can stimulate stress responses in pets. Pet owners should pay attention to their pets’ emotions on a regular basis.
The hazards of pet stress include:
- Emotional and behavioral changes.
- Prolonged constriction of blood vessels in the abdominal cavity leading to organ ischemia.
- Long-term constriction of peripheral small blood vessels leading to increased blood pressure.
- Increased blood viscosity, promoting blood clot formation.
- Increased heart rate and oxygen consumption, leading to myocardial ischemia.
- Abnormal gastrointestinal function.
- Sudden death.
Pet stress can have negative effects on the physical and mental health of pets. The following are potential hazards of pet stress:
Emotional and behavioral changes: Pets may display behavioral changes such as anxiety, fear, depression, increased aggression, or withdrawal. They may become irritable, restless, or easily startled.
Physical health issues: Prolonged stress responses can compromise the immune system of pets, increasing the risk of illness. They may experience digestive issues, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, or skin problems.
Cardiovascular effects: Persistent stress responses can lead to increased blood pressure and blood viscosity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Increased risk of diseases: Stress can impact the immune system of pets, potentially leading to a decreased ability to fight infections and an increased susceptibility to diseases.
Digestive problems: Stress responses can disrupt the digestive system of pets, causing issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or decreased appetite.
Sudden death: Extreme stress situations and long-term pressure can result in severe damage to the pet’s heart and other organs, ultimately leading to sudden death.
Therefore, it is crucial to identify and mitigate pet stress in a timely manner. Providing a stable, safe, and supportive environment, along with building a positive relationship with the pet and engaging in positive training, can help reduce the level of stress in pets and promote their health and happiness. If a pet exhibits severe stress responses or persistent behavioral issues, it is advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian or a pet behavior specialist.
