Vet Scott Carpenter has care advice for owners of stressed-out dogs

Then last quarter of 2022 has probably been a busy and loud one with one thing after the other – Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and finally New Year’s Eve – so many fireworks and people and parties and… As you head into 2023, you and your dog can enjoy some calm and a return to routine. But has it all been too much for your dog? How would you know if they are stressed out and need some help?

Our Veterinary Surgeon at Estcourt Vets, Scott Carpenter, has some advice on spotting the signs of stress in dogs and how to avoid or manage them.

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Having dogs as pets makes up a huge part of our family units, whether you have one dog or numerous in your household. Whilst most dog owners follow a daily routine with their pets, would you recognise if your dog began exhibiting signs of stress? Annual events such as Bonfire Night and Christmas can take their toll on pets so it’s important to try to minimise stressful situations and know the signs to look for.

Signs of stress in dogs

According to Scott, stress can manifest in many ways, usually in response to changes within the household, routine, or external factors such as noise including fireworks and other similar triggers.

Signs of stress in dogs may include

• Changes in eating habits, or a reluctance to eat
• Disinterest in walking/exercise
• Unusual behaviour such as hiding in spaces within the home
• Licking of lips
• Ears back
• Changes in body posture (tail tucking)
• Growling
• Pacing or whining
• Panting
• Urinating/defecating inside the house
• Trembling or cowering

Preparing your dog for stressful situations

It’s impossible to shield your dog from all situations they might find stressful, especially as every dog’s development and life experiences will be different. The COVID pandemic and lockdown restrictions may have meant that new puppies in Wiltshire missed out on important socialisation periods with other dogs and attending puppy classes. Basic conditioning is key in developing a dog’s ability to manage stress.

For example, as a puppy or new dog, taking them to the vets to simply pop them on the weighing scales and then leave as opposed to a complete consultation can provide a positive experience. At Estcourt Vets, we always make sure we have some treats at the ready too!

Noise desensitisation

In terms of noise related stress such as fireworks, thunderstorms, Christmas/New Year Parties, bonfires, and similar, the best policy is to start noise desensitisation training with your dog as early as possible. You can find further advice on this here: https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/desensitising-your-dog-loud-noises

Plus, our Devizes team have found some sounds on Spotify for you to use: https://open.spotify.com/album/4poJuTsjg1r7l7QAUNnseh

Reducing stress during stressful events

The next best thing you can do, according to Scott, is to not to take dogs with you to stressful events, especially bonfire & firework displays, and even busy Christmas markets. Leaving your dog at home, in their ‘safe place’, is best all round as this serves as a ‘fear free’ space.

If you have crate trained your dog, you may find that on these occasions they are happy to take themselves into their crate, although this is not the ideal time to begin crate training for the first time.

However, it is unadvisable to leave dogs alone/unattended for long periods (or at all if possible) during stressful times. Perhaps a friend or family member, whom your dog is used to, can sit with them if you have an event to attend?

Furthermore, dogs should not be coerced into sitting with you. Being allowed to find where they feel safest and happiest is best. Reassurance is also important in order to help lessen anxiety or reactivity, if the dogs seek this. It is possible to reinforce scared behaviour though by fussing too much, so balance is key.

If you would like to know more about how best to address stress modification within the home, book an appointment with one of our vets.

Calming products for dogs

There are a number of veterinary related products available to help with stress in your dog and these can be discussed with Scott, or any of our veterinary surgeons. This may include calming supplements, quiet ears, thunder-shirts, behaviour modification, or medication.

A vet will be able to guide you or suggest an animal behaviourist or veterinary professional who specialises in the field of canine behaviour.

Contact us to book an appointment