Can Stress Affect Your Dog's Health?

Stress can negatively affect a dog’s health.

Stress is a big deal for humans. We know that, when it's chronic, it can have negative effects on our health. But what about your dog? Can she suffer from bad health consequences related to stress?

Do Dogs Feel Stress?

Dogs do suffer from stress. Most of the time, it's brought on by some kind of change in the home or schedule. Common causes of stress in dogs include:

How Does Stress Affect a Dog's Health?

Most of the time, stress in dogs is transient and resolves quickly. The dog gets used to whatever new thing is going on, or it goes away as in the case of a thunderstorm or houseguests. However, sometimes dogs may experience chronic stressful situations, or they might even have a general anxiety-inducing condition like separation anxiety that keeps them stressed all the time. When that happens, negative health effects can occur, including:

Individual dogs might show signs other than the ones listed. If your dog develops any abnormal health or behavior signs, visit the veterinarian right away.

How to Fight Stress in Dogs

The first step is always having your dog checked out by a veterinarian. Medical conditions need to be ruled out. Once that's done, there are some ways you can help your dog manage stress.

Some dogs, especially those that are at risk of injuring themselves or others with their stress-induced behaviors, can benefit from anti-anxiety medications. Don't give your dog any medicine without talking to your vet first.

If general stress-reducing techniques don't help your dog, a canine behavior specialist may be the answer. This would involve individual recommendations based on your dog's specific behaviors and circumstances. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behavior specialist if you think this could benefit your dog.

You May Also Like These Articles:

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How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Your New Dog

How to Help a Dog with Anxiety

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

DOGTV: A Great Way to Help Dogs That Are Home Alone All Day

How to Cope with Canine Anxiety and Fear by Using Adaptil(TM) (Formerly called D.A.P)

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