When Pets Feel Overwhelmed: Recognizing and Relieving Stress in Dogs and Cats

The holiday party is in full swing- but your cat squeezes behind the couch and won’t come out. A thunderstorm rolls in, and your dog disappears into the closet, wide-eyed and silent. These aren’t acts of stubbornness or misbehavior. They are natural stress responses, and they can take a toll on your pet’s emotional and physical health if they become a frequent pattern.

At Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital in Austin, Texas, we understand how deeply stress impacts pets. As Austin’s first and only Fear Free Certified Practice and a Cat Friendly clinic, our mission is to make every experience less frightening, more comfortable, and better for long-term well-being. Recognizing the signs and knowing when to intervene is the first step toward giving pets a calmer life.

Dogs Under Pressure: How Anxiety Shows Itself

Stress in dogs doesn’t always look dramatic. Some pace the room, pant heavily, or shed tufts of fur while their heart races. Others whine, bark, or howl when left alone. Many try to cope by chewing or clawing at doors, windows, or furniture, especially during storms or fireworks. More subtle dogs may simply withdraw, avoiding eye contact, turning away, or hiding under the bed. And for some, tension boils over into reactivity: lunging or growling at other dogs or strangers.

Cats in Hiding: Understanding Feline Stress

Cats are even more practiced at concealing discomfort. Some stop using the litter box, while others groom so obsessively that bald patches appear. Many retreat to secluded corners, staying hidden for hours or days, while their appetite quietly fades. A cat under pressure may swat, hiss, or growl when another pet or person approaches. In some cases, stress shows up as vomiting or subtle weight loss.

Why Fear Turns Into Fight or Flight

When animals perceive a threat, the body primes itself for one of two responses: escape or confrontation. Most pets prefer flight, which explains why dogs may claw at doors during storms or why cats vanish when company arrives. But when escape isn’t possible, fight becomes the only option. A leashed dog, unable to retreat, may react aggressively toward other dogs. A cornered cat may swat or bite rather than risk being chased.

Recognizing this instinct doesn’t excuse the behavior- but it does help explain it. By understanding fight-or-flight, we can anticipate stressful situations and create strategies that give pets safer, calmer choices.

Why Stress Happens: Triggers and Roots

Stress is rarely caused by a single factor.

  • Genetics: Some pets inherit a predisposition to nervousness. Herding breeds may be particularly sensitive to sound and motion, while certain cats are naturally more cautious. Because these tendencies can be passed down, anxious pets should not be bred.
  • Early experience: Puppies and kittens that miss crucial learning windows often develop fears that last a lifetime. Following socialization guidelines during development reduces this risk.
  • Environmental changes: Moving to a new home, loud renovations, or welcoming a baby or new pet can all overwhelm animals.
  • Boredom and lack of enrichment: High-drive pets without outlets often turn stress inward. Dog enrichment activities and puzzle feeders provide mental release.
  • Medical conditions: Pain and disease can look like stress or worsen it. A vet visit should also be a top priority if behaviors change suddenly.

Simple Ways to Bring Pets Relief

Consistency is often the best gift for anxious pets. Regular feeding, play, and rest times give them a sense of control. Providing quiet retreats like a cozy crate for dogs or a perch with a covered bed for cats helps them choose safety over confrontation.

A safe, comfortable, engaging environment goes a long way. The Indoor Pet Initiative recommends multiple litter boxes, vertical climbing opportunities, and safe hiding areas for cats. Both dogs and cats thrive when enrichment is part of their daily lives. DIY cat toys or food puzzles keep cats engaged, while dogs benefit from structured activities, play sessions, and scent games.

Training also plays a key role. Reward-based methods like the positive training philosophy build trust without fear. For reactive dogs, the engage–disengage training game teaches them how to manage stressful encounters safely. For pets who are stressed about being handled, cooperative care training can help them become comfortable with physical touch.

At Star of Texas, we support pets beyond the home environment. Our Happy Victory Visits help anxious pets build positive associations with the clinic, while Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs) provide tailored medication support for those with more serious anxiety.

When to Involve the Veterinarian

Occasional stress is normal. But if anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to change your pet’s quality of life, it’s time to get veterinary guidance.

Stress can mimic other diseases, so our team may recommend diagnostics such as bloodwork to screen for thyroid or metabolic disorders, urinalysis to check for urinary tract problems, or imaging to rule out pain-causing conditions.

  • Hyperthyroidism in cats can cause restlessness and irritability
  • Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior pets may bring confusion or nighttime anxiety.
  • Neurologic issues, like seizures and brain tumors, can also cause anxiety-like symptoms.
  • Arthritis may be painful enough for a pet to avoid physical contact

Behavioral changes that warrant a visit include destructive outbursts, aggression toward family members or other pets, appetite loss, withdrawal from play, or sudden changes in mood. Each case is unique, and a veterinary exam provides the clarity to move forward with the right plan.

Medical and Nutritional Support

For some pets, supplements and medications provide the foundation for lasting progress:

  • Calming chews, pheromone diffusers, or omega-3 fatty acids may reduce mild anxiety.
  • Nutraceuticals like L-theanine or alpha-casozepine promote relaxation without sedation.
  • Specially formulated calming diets can provide nutritional support for brain health.
  • Prescription medications may be recommended for pets with severe or chronic anxiety, either for daily management or for specific events like fireworks or vet visits.
  • Pain management is critical, since untreated discomfort amplifies stress and reduces coping ability.

At Star of Texas, our Fear Free approach ensures these tools are customized to your pet’s health, lifestyle, and comfort level.

Helping Pets Feel Safe Again

Stress and anxiety are not flaws – they are signals that your pet needs extra care. With the right combination of predictable routines, enrichment, and veterinary support, most dogs and cats can feel calmer and more confident.

At Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital, we go beyond basic care by offering Cat Friendly spaces, Happy Visits, and Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals, all designed to reduce stress before it starts. Whether it’s a dental procedure, routine wellness, or even end-of-life support, we prioritize your pet’s emotional well-being at every step.

If you’re worried about your pet’s stress or anxiety, call us at 512-291-1600 or reach out online. Together, we can make veterinary visits- and everyday life- a calmer, happier experience for your pet.