Loud noises, being left alone, car journeys and travelling, or nervousness when interacting with other dogs — these are just a few situations where many dogs become stressed, and as owners, we suffer with them. When everyday stimuli become a constant stress for dogs and humans, targeted action is needed. Because stress means more than temporary discomfort: It can have a long-term effect on the behaviour, health and quality of life of our four-legged friends.
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Recognise and reduce stress in dogs: learn how everyday triggers such as noise, being alone or travelling can affect wellbeing and how you can support your dog.
| An advertising feature presented in partnership with Royal Canin. This content is independent of zooplus Magazine’s editorial views. |
The bang of a firework here, a clap of thunder there — what is only a short moment of shock for many people quickly throws our anxious four-legged friends off course. Their bodies are under stress and prepare for fight or flight with adrenaline and noradrenaline. This “fight-or-flight response” can be vital for survival. In the long-term, however, stressful situations lead to physical and mental strain for dogs.
“To make your pet more relaxed during recurring periods of stress such as New Year′s Eve, car journeys or being left alone, two things are key: Firstly, you need to recognise when your dog is stressed; then, you should understand what can help calm your dog, as well as the role routines and diet play in this,” highlights Royal Canin.
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to threatening situations. If a dog assesses the situation as dangerous due to bad experiences, or if it is constantly exposed to new stress stimuli, stress turns into fear. According to a study by the University of Helsinki, 72.5% of all dogs exhibit some form of anxious behaviour during their lifetime, which can have different triggers:
Your dog’s reaction to stimuli such as fireworks or new faces depends on complex factors, including breed, sex, age and above all socialisation. Female dogs are more afraid of noise than males, who in turn find separation stress more challenging. Despite these tendencies,every situation should be considered individually, as your dog’s personal experiences are important.
Regardless of genes and gender, many puppies are more anxious in everyday life than adult dogs. They are often still learning how to deal with certain situations. On the other hand, dogs that are cognitively declining or have health conditions become more sensitive to noise and stress as they age.
Short periods of stress are usually not a problem for dogs. On the other hand, chronic stress and constant tension can lead to behavioural problems such as aggression and destructiveness or cause dogs to become withdrawn.
“The reason behind that?Persistent stress stimuli or being repeatedly exposed to stressful situations stimulate cortisol production. Although the stress hormone provides the dog with additional energy for a short period of time, it has an adverse effect on their wellbeing in the long term,” adds Royal Canin.
For example, dogs with separation anxiety often experienceskin conditions such as lick eczema. Excessive cortisol production can also affect dogs’ digestion and immune system. Therefore, it is important for owners to know how to recognise and reduce stress in their dog.
Some dogs deal with stress through excessive barking, whining or aggression. Others hide or avoid contact with people when they are tense.
There are also various physical stress signals, including:
Generally, your dog will enjoy a quiet place to retreat during periods of stress. Because uncertainty can increase anxiety and stress, you can also help your dog using routines such as for walking,feeding, training and communication. In short, when they know what to expect, many situations seem less threatening.
This is also the reason why puppies are gradually introduced to unknown situations, other dogs and new faces during their socialisation period.
Targeted training in dealing with stress triggers can help adult dogs. Professional dog trainers can support and teach you specific techniques for stress management.
It is also important to provide mental and physical stimulation. Dog sports, intelligence toys, as well as sniffing or search games, for example, are ideal for satisfying the natural needs of your dog. This helps dogs become less stressed and gain self-confidence and inner peace.
If you notice that your dog is anxious or stressed more often, you should consult your vet first. Together, you can eliminate health-related causes and identify specific stress factors to work on resilience.
Proper nutrition is the foundation for a happy dog and has more to do with the wellbeing of our four-legged friends than many people think: Certain foodscan have a calming effect thanks to their ingredients.
Royal Canin has developed Expert Calm Small Dog to meet the needs of small dog breeds. This dry food is designed to make it easy for small mouths to chew and small stomachs to digest. In consultation with a professional, you can support your dog in stressful situations.
Looking at the ingredients that Royal Canin has included in Expert Calm Small Dog is a great way to help understand how to keep your small companion calm as they go about day-to-day life:
As tense dogs often drink less, normal urinary function is important. In addition to soothing ingredients, Royal Canin has therefore chosen an S/O index to promote a healthy urinary environment.
Remember: A special diet can help reduce stress but is only part of a comprehensive approach. It serves as a supportivesupplement and is not a substitutefor professional training and veterinary care to manage the actual causes of stress.
For more information on the composition and effect of Royal Canin food: Nutrients for dogs & cats | Royal Canin DE
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Special food can help small dogs in emotionally stressful situations or with chronic stress. Royal Canin Expert Calm Small Dog is suitable for long-term feeding of adult and senior dogs as well as for short-term supportbefore special occasions, travel or a move.
It is important to adapt the amount of food to the dog’s individual needs. Therefore, talk to your vet before supporting your dog with special dog food in the short- or long-term. They can determine the nutritional needs of your dog and the correct dosage of the special food for you.
Regular checkups at the vet will also ensure that your dog is benefitting from the food in the long-term. The vet should be the first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns, so that the change of food does not become an additional stress factor for your dog.
The food packaging provides information on portion size. The recommended daily intake should be divided into at least two portions. “Regardless of feeding times and portion sizes, your dog should always havefresh water available,” notes Royal Canin.
It is also important to get your dog used to the new foodgently and gradually over at least seven days. To do this, mix an increasing amount of the food with their previous food every day. Start with a mix of 75% old and 25% new food and increase the proportion of new food every two to three days.
The following applies to targeted support when periods of stress are imminent: Get your dog used to the diet food at least two weeks before the event.
Even though not every stressful situation can be prevented, we can support our dogs in dealing with them. Take your dog’s fears seriously and respond with patience and understanding. You can create the basis for more calmness through a strong human-dog relationship, reliable routines and a balanced diet.
However, if your dog’s wellbeing is severely affected, professional expertise is essential. Seek early support from a professional to ensure your dog has the best conditions for a longer-term quality of life.
Would you like to learn more about how diet supports your dog’s wellbeing? Talk to your vet about the individual needs of your four-legged friend and discover the Royal Canin range to accompany your dog at different stages of life and at every challenge.
At Royal Canin, this commitment is no different. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, the company has always prioritized tailored nutrition based on scientific research and careful observation. With over 50 years of experience in animal nutrition, Royal Canin has dedicated countless hours to studying dogs′ dietary needs to understand how nutrition can support a healthy lifestyle. During the manufacturing process, many different quality controls are implemented, and all food production operators follow the same strict protocols. You can explore the full range of products here: Royal Canin Pet Food | Great deals at zooplus!
Find more information about the production process at Royal Canin here: Quality and food safety | Royal Canin UK
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