Your pet is a cherished member of your family, and their comfort and happiness are top priorities. Unfortunately, many things can cause stress and anxiety for pets, which can affect their overall well-being. At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, we use a number of simple but effective low-stress techniques and handling methods that you can also use at home to put your pet at ease. 

Create a safe space

Your pet should have a designated safe space in your home where they can retreat if they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Whether you choose a room, a closet, or a corner of your office, outfit the space with your pet’s favorite toys, a comfortable bed, and soothing background music. Encourage your pet to use this space when they feel stressed or need some downtime, and let children and guests know your pet’s special area is off-limits.

Slow and gradual introductions

If you have a new pet or are introducing your pet to a new environment, take it slow. New experiences are stressful to some pets, and they may require time to acclimate and become comfortable. 

If you are introducing a new pet to your home, keep in mind the rule of threes:  

  • It takes three days for a new pet to decompress and start to relax in their new environment.
  • It takes three weeks for them to realize this may be their new home and to start to trust you.
  • It takes three months for your new pet to fully let down their guard and adapt to their new routine.

Gradually expose your new pet to new people, animals, and places to prevent overwhelming them. Use treats and positive reinforcement to reward calm and confident behavior and teach your pet that new experiences are not scary.

Positive reinforcement

All handling and training should be done with positive reinforcement and never punishment. Yelling, hitting, shocking, and other forms of punishment do not teach your dog to behave, but rather teach them to fear you. Your pet may “behave” out of fear that you will punish them, but this is not emotionally healthy for your pet. Positive reinforcement involves using treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior. Consistency and patience are key when using positive reinforcement to modify behavior.

Regular exercise

Pent-up energy can cause anxiety, and regular exercise can help your pet decompress and relax. Physical activity has the added benefit of stimulating the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins. For dogs, a daily walk or backyard play session can provide mental stimulation and reduce pent-up anxiety. Cats can benefit from playtime that mimics their natural behaviors, such as chasing toy mice or climbing vertical structures such as cat trees.

Exercise also helps your pet maintain a healthy weight, which can prevent obesity-related health issues that contribute to stress. Incorporating regular exercise into your pet’s routine not only promotes their physical well-being but also nurtures their emotional and mental health, leading to a happier and more balanced companion.

Mindful grooming

Grooming is an essential part of pet care, but it can be a source of stress for some pets. To make grooming a positive experience, start by gradually introducing your pet to the necessary handling and grooming tools. For example, many pets do not like their feet handled, and resist having their nails trimmed. Start slow by rewarding your pet with praise and treats if they allow you to touch their foot. Gradually progress to holding your pet’s foot in your hand, and then clipping only one nail. Keep grooming sessions short initially and gradually extend them as your pet becomes more comfortable. Be patient and gentle, and always stop if your pet seems stressed or anxious.

Desensitization and counterconditioning

Desensitization involves exposing your pet to something that triggers anxiety in a controlled and gradual manner, while counterconditioning pairs a stressful event with something positive. For instance, if your dog becomes anxious during thunderstorms, play a recording of thunder sounds at a low volume while playing with your dog and giving them treats. Over multiple sessions, gradually increase the recording’s volume while rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise. Your dog will slowly learn to associate thunderstorms with positive emotions instead of fear. During actual thunderstorms, give your dog a special treat or toy to further reinforce the positive association and distract them from the fearful event.

Your home should be a haven where your pet feels safe and secure. If your pet seems anxious or stressed, try instituting these low-stress methods to increase their comfort. Our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team can also help relieve your pet’s anxiety—give us a call to discuss your pet’s needs.