The silent signs your pet is stressed; here’s all you need to know
Aradhana Jha | TimesPets Bureau | Feb 20, 2026, 12:59 IST
The silent signs your pet is stressed; here’s all you need to know
Pets cannot express their emotions in words, but they are always trying to communicate with their actions and behavior. Stress in pets is a very subtle symptom and can be mistaken for stubbornness or bad behavior. It is very important to identify this symptom early on to prevent any long-term emotional and physical problems.
Pets cannot express their emotions in words, but they are always trying to communicate with their actions and behavior. Stress in pets is a very subtle symptom and can be mistaken for stubbornness or bad behavior. It is very important to identify this symptom early on to prevent any long-term emotional and physical problems.
Changes in eating habits
The first symptom of stress in pets is the change in their eating habits. Pets can become suddenly disinterested in their food or start eating less than usual, or they can start eating too much or too fast. Stress can lead to digestive problems, which can cause vomiting or stomach upset even when there is no illness. If the change in eating habits continues for more than a couple of days, it is important to monitor it and consult a vet if necessary.
Excessive grooming or shedding
Grooming is a common animal behavior, but when it becomes excessive, it might be a sign of anxiety. Cats may groom themselves to the point of bald spots, while dogs may excessively lick their paws or scratch themselves without reason. Excessive shedding is also a sign of emotional issues. Pets groom themselves as a way of dealing with stress, especially when there are changes in their environment, such as moving to a new house or having a new addition to the family.
Withdrawal and hiding
If your pet, is normally social but becomes withdrawn and no longer wants to play or interact with you, hides under the furniture, or no longer wants to play, it might be a sign of stress. Withdrawal is a common behavior that animals display when they are stressed. They might avoid eye contact, stop greeting you with excitement, or become more solitary than usual.
Irritability or aggression
Stress can also appear as irritability. Pets that begin to growl, hiss, snap, or guard food and toys excessively may be stressed or anxious. Pets that have sudden mood swings with no apparent reason should not be ignored. Sometimes, these symptoms are not related to aggression but to feelings of insecurity or fear.
Restlessness and repetitive behaviors
Physical behaviors can also be a sign of anxiety. Pacing, yawning when not tired, lip licking, wide pupils, or a constantly twitching tail are all common signs of stress. Some pets may bark excessively, circle around, or seem like they can’t calm down. These signs can start before more obvious signs of anxiety are recognized.
Common causes of stress in pets
Stress can be caused by a number of things, such as moving home, loud noises such as fireworks or construction, changes in daily routines, separation from owners, or the addition of new pets or family members. Even positive changes can be stressful. Pets like routine, and changes in their environment can affect their emotional health.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Changes in eating habits
The first symptom of stress in pets is the change in their eating habits. Pets can become suddenly disinterested in their food or start eating less than usual, or they can start eating too much or too fast. Stress can lead to digestive problems, which can cause vomiting or stomach upset even when there is no illness. If the change in eating habits continues for more than a couple of days, it is important to monitor it and consult a vet if necessary.
Excessive grooming or shedding
Grooming is a common animal behavior, but when it becomes excessive, it might be a sign of anxiety. Cats may groom themselves to the point of bald spots, while dogs may excessively lick their paws or scratch themselves without reason. Excessive shedding is also a sign of emotional issues. Pets groom themselves as a way of dealing with stress, especially when there are changes in their environment, such as moving to a new house or having a new addition to the family.
Withdrawal and hiding
If your pet, is normally social but becomes withdrawn and no longer wants to play or interact with you, hides under the furniture, or no longer wants to play, it might be a sign of stress. Withdrawal is a common behavior that animals display when they are stressed. They might avoid eye contact, stop greeting you with excitement, or become more solitary than usual.
Irritability or aggression
Stress can also appear as irritability. Pets that begin to growl, hiss, snap, or guard food and toys excessively may be stressed or anxious. Pets that have sudden mood swings with no apparent reason should not be ignored. Sometimes, these symptoms are not related to aggression but to feelings of insecurity or fear.
Restlessness and repetitive behaviors
Physical behaviors can also be a sign of anxiety. Pacing, yawning when not tired, lip licking, wide pupils, or a constantly twitching tail are all common signs of stress. Some pets may bark excessively, circle around, or seem like they can’t calm down. These signs can start before more obvious signs of anxiety are recognized.
Common causes of stress in pets
Stress can be caused by a number of things, such as moving home, loud noises such as fireworks or construction, changes in daily routines, separation from owners, or the addition of new pets or family members. Even positive changes can be stressful. Pets like routine, and changes in their environment can affect their emotional health.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!