Pets can get stressed just like people, and that strain can show up in both their behavior and their health. The tricky part is that animal stress signals are often misread or missed entirely, especially when they look like harmless quirks. When stress lingers, it can keep the body in a heightened state that affects the heart, blood pressure, immune system, and even body weight. Audra Jones, a professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, stresses that catching the early signs and responding quickly can make a real difference, according to Newsweek.
Many everyday events that seem minor to humans can feel overwhelming to cats and dogs. A vet appointment, a car ride, a move to a new home, or a new animal joining the household can all disrupt an animal’s sense of safety. Jones explains that “Pets often associate a visit to the veterinarian with unpleasant procedures, painful injections, or even the smells of other animals they encounter there.” Even the sounds, sights, and unfamiliar handling in a clinic can be enough to put some pets on edge before anything happens.
Car rides are another common trigger, and pets do not all experience them the same way. Some dogs see the car as an exciting gateway to walks and adventures, while others react with visible discomfort. Jones notes that negative reactions can be tied to nausea, bad past experiences, or sensory overload from unfamiliar movement and noise. If a pet has learned to connect the car with scary destinations, the stress response can start the moment the keys jingle.
Changes at home can be just as unsettling, especially for animals that rely on routine. A move can erase familiar scent markers and force a pet to relearn where it feels safe. Bringing in a new pet can also create tension over territory and attention, even if the animals never fight. As Jones puts it, “Dogs and cats are territorial by nature and like spaces they know,” and “Sharing space with another animal they perceive as a threat to their peace can also bother them.”
Recognizing stress signs early is crucial, because the first hints can be subtle. Jones points out that small signals may include frequent yawning or repeated licking of the nose and lips. Over time, stress can shift into more obvious body language, and it can look different depending on the species and the situation. Jones says, “Both dogs and cats may stiffen up, tremble with fear, or tuck their tail and lower their body toward the ground as they try to protect themselves.”
In more intense moments, stress can affect basic needs and bathroom habits. Jones explains that highly stressed pets may urinate or defecate in places they normally would not, and they might refuse food, treats, or water until they feel safe again. Dogs often show stress through panting and lip smacking, especially when there is no heat or exercise to explain it. Cats, on the other hand, commonly withdraw and look for a hiding place, which can be easy to mistake for independence rather than distress.
Owners play the biggest role in helping a stressed pet feel secure again. Staying calm matters, because raised voices and frantic reactions can amplify an animal’s fear. Jones advises, “Try to identify what exactly is causing the stress and, if possible, remove that source from your pet’s environment.” Sometimes that means stepping away from a loud area, giving a cat access to a quiet room, or creating distance from another animal until everyone settles.
Positive reinforcement and gradual exposure can be especially effective when the stressor cannot be avoided forever. Jones highlights the idea of “happy visits” to the veterinarian, where a pet simply explores the space and receives treats without an exam. The goal is to rebuild the association so the clinic is not automatically linked to discomfort. With repetition and patience, even a nervous animal can learn that the setting predicts good things, not just restraint and needles.
For chronic or severe stress, a veterinarian may recommend anxiety medication as part of a broader plan. Jones suggests discussing options if you already know your pet struggles with travel or vet visits, saying, “If you know your pet has a hard time with rides or trips to the vet, talk with your veterinarian about therapy options.” She adds, “These treatments are tailored to the individual pet and are considered safe, and they can significantly ease stressful situations.” Medication is not presented as a shortcut, but as a supportive tool when training and management alone are not enough.
Cats that are sensitive to change can benefit from desensitization that starts well before a stressful event. One practical step is leaving the carrier out for several days so it becomes a normal object rather than a sudden warning sign. Jones also describes the use of synthetic pheromones before travel, explaining, “Pheromones are natural chemical substances that cats use to mark places where they feel safe.” She adds, “When they rub against objects or people, they are actually leaving that ‘safety signal’,” and notes that products designed to mimic this effect can help a cat feel calmer in a carrier or during a trip.
It also helps to understand what stress is doing inside the body, because behavior changes are often the visible tip of a larger response. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the body’s stress system, and it rises when an animal feels threatened or trapped. Short bursts can be normal, but long-term elevation can strain multiple systems, which is why early intervention matters. In everyday terms, a pet’s body language, appetite shifts, and avoidance behaviors are often protective strategies, not “bad behavior,” and responding with patience can prevent stress from becoming a persistent pattern.
What signs of stress have you noticed in your cat or dog, and what has helped them feel safe again? Share your thoughts in the comments.
