How did it go with the solar eclipse yesterday? Were you able to see it? How did your pets do with all the excitement? Hopefully everyone stayed calm and comfy!

This week I wanted to give a refresher on stress signals we can look out for in our cats and dogs. I think it’s important, especially as pet parents, to understand these not-so-common and sometimes subtle hints that our pets are NOT in an ideal emotional state so that we can help them “return to internal safety.” My lists below are not exhaustive and simply highlight a few.

Before I begin, I’d like to point out that I’ll be specifically describing behaviors and physical characteristics you can observe with your eyes and ears.

I WON’T be describing their emotional state using stereotypically human-like adjectives or phrases such as: drama queen, stubborn, silly, angry, scaredy cat, aggressive, etc. These descriptions are harmful and self-sabotaging because we think “Oh, my dog is just being stubborn,” and leave them in that state to fend for themselves. As opposed to making the observation and then trying to help them out of it. This second approach is much more pro-active and will benefit your pet in the long run.

Dog Stress Signals

• Yawning: more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn
• Panting: if it’s not weather- or activity/exertion- appropriate
• Constant lip licking: if they haven’t just eaten a yummy snack or meal
• Whale eye: they look up at you and you can see part of the whites of their eyes
• Flattened ears: unless your dog’s ears naturally go back
• Tail tucked between the legs
• Rigid body posture: they aren’t moving and if they do, it’s slow and tight

Cat Stress Signals

• Excessive grooming: you start to notice some fur missing
• Increased vocalization: more than their normal amount
• Going outside the litter box
• Hiding more than their normal
• Crouching in a corner and not moving
• Dilated pupils
• Flattened ears
• Lip licking
• Tense, hunched body

I want to challenge you this coming week. Try to find a few minutes each day to observe your pets closely. Are they showing any of the signs above?

If so, reflect on these questions:

1. What might be causing my pet’s stress?
2. How can I reduce their stress without causing more?
3. Is there something I can do in the future to prevent or alleviate this stress?

As always, please reply to this email if you have any questions or concerns!

I would also love to hear how my challenge above goes. Feel free to text me a video or photo if you aren’t sure if a behavior you’re observing is a stress signal or not.

Stay Comfy,

Tanya