We’ve spoken recently about how in dog fights, you may need drasticly safe measures, such as the wheelbarrow technique, to keep you and your pet safe. However, lifting your pet by its hind legs is not the only way that you should need to calm them in tense situations. In fact, where there isn’t a fight at hand, but your pet is starting to feel unsettled, there are many things you can do to help calm them down before they become aggressive.
To help keep them as happy as can be, we’ve broken them down below:
How do you identify a pet under tension?
Pets who are stressed will exhibit different signs from one another. So, knowing your pet and their behaviours will always help you identify a tense or stressed pet as quickly as possible. However, some tell-tale signs to look out for include, panting, pacing, ears pushed back, whining or barking (in dogs), excessive meowing or growling (in cats), changed appetite, excessive grooming, hiding or an erratic tail movement.
As mentioned, all pets will display behaviours differently. A fast-swooshing tail, for example, is not always a sign of aggression and could be your pet’s way of playing. Monitoring when these behaviours take place can help you identify if the underlying cause is stress, tension or something else.
How do you calm a tense pet?
Give them space
If the tension is happening within your home, giving your pet time to relax and unwind is the key to helping them feel their best again in no time. Allow them to find a quiet space in the house where they can relax and breathe. Try not to interrupt them during this time. You’re only trying to do good by them and check in. However, this could aggravate them further. Allow them to come out again in their own time. It won’t only help them feel better, but strengthen your bond with them too.
Use distractions
You won’t always be in a position where you can allow your dog or cat to find their own space to relax and calm down. For example, if you’re in a situation where there is another animal aggressor around, you can’t always expect your pet to be the one to walk away from it. At times, it will escalate. Using distractions, for this reason, can prevent escalation from going too far.
These distractions may be in the form of toys, treats or by calling their name. Try to remove them from the situation to ensure that they feel calm and comfortable again. It’s important to remember that you will be working to distract the other animal in this situation, too. So, always tread carefully.
Stimulate them mentally
When they’re bored, even the best pets can act out and become stressed or tense. If you’re not able to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation during the day when you’re at work, it’s important to find something that can. Toys and puzzle feeders can help to keep them occupied when you’re not available to play fetch and chase. This way, they can keep their mind distracted. When stressors come into their life, they’ll also be less likely to act on them or feel as frightened as they won’t be agitated or antsy.
Find what you need at PetNest
Whether you’re looking for calming treats, puzzle toys or something completely different, we have it in our range at PetNest. Explore the collection today, and remember, we’re always here to help you make the right decision for your furry friend.
