Understanding Stress and Anxiety in Pets

Is It Behaviour or Medicine?

A sudden or gradual change in a pet's behaviour should always prompt veterinary assessment before assuming a purely behavioural cause. Pain, endocrine disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease), neurological conditions and cognitive dysfunction can all manifest as behavioural changes. Rule out medical causes first.

Common Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs

• Panting, yawning, lip-licking when not hot or hungry
• Whale eye (visible whites of the eyes)
• Tail tucked between legs
• Excessive vocalisation (barking, whining, howling)
• Destructive behaviour, particularly when left alone
• House soiling despite being toilet trained
• Trembling, shaking
• Reduced appetite
• Hyper-vigilance or excessive scanning of the environment
• Aggression (often fear-based)

Common Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Cats

• Over-grooming leading to hair loss (psychogenic alopecia)
• House soiling outside the litter box
• Hiding more than usual
• Reduced or absent appetite
• Increased vocalisation, especially at night
• Aggression toward people or other pets
• Urine marking (in neutered cats — often stress-related)
• FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) — stress is a major trigger

Common Triggers in Dubai

• Loud construction or traffic noise
• Moving apartments or villas (very common)
• Owner travelling or changing work schedule
• New pet or person in the household
• Limited outdoor exercise for dogs
• Multi-cat households without adequate resources
• Changes in routine, feeding schedule or environment

Management Approaches

• Environmental enrichment: Mental stimulation reduces anxiety. Puzzle feeders, sniff mats, food-foraging activities, interactive toys and training all provide constructive outlets.
• Predictable routine: Consistent feeding, exercise and sleep times reduce uncertainty-related anxiety.
• Safe spaces: Every pet should have a secure retreat (crate for dogs, elevated space for cats) that is never used for punishment.
• Pheromone products: Adaptil (dog) and Feliway (cat) are synthetic analogues of natural calming pheromones — available as diffusers, sprays or collars with good evidence base.
• Medication: For significant anxiety, short-term or long-term medication may be appropriate — discuss with our team. Never sedate a pet with human medications.
• Professional behaviour support: A qualified veterinary behaviourist or certified trainer using positive reinforcement methods.