When we talk about a nervous animal, we’re dealing with behavior that can be caused by various factors. It could be that the animal is experiencing stress, fear or even pain.
Recognizing the signs of a nervous animal and understanding the causes of this behaviour is essential for taking effective care of your pet.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons that can make an animal nervous, how you can identify this behavior and what you can do to help your friend feel calmer and safer.
What does a nervous animal mean?
Initially, it’s important to understand what characterizes a nervous animal. This term refers to animals that show behaviors such as agitation, excessive fear, aggression or even trembling. These signs can be physical, such as tense posture and rapid breathing, or behavioral, such as excessive barking or trying to escape.
The most common causes of nervousness in animals
Environmental stress
Changes in the animal’s environment are one of the most common causes of nervousness. Moving house, the arrival of a new member of the family, or even changing furniture can affect the pet’s well-being.
Fears and phobias
Just like people, animals also have fears. Loud sounds, such as fireworks or thunder, can make an animal nervous. Some breeds are more prone to these fears due to their genetics or previous experiences.
Lack of socialization
Animals who have not been exposed to different situations and people during their socialization phase can develop more anxious and nervous behaviour. They may find it difficult to interact with other animals or people, becoming aggressive or very fearful.
Health problems
If an animal starts behaving nervously, it could be an indication of pain or discomfort. Illnesses or injuries that are not visible can affect the animal’s behavior, causing it to become more irritable or anxious.
How do you identify a nervous animal?
Physical signs
When a nervous animal is agitated, it may show some physical signs, such as:
- Tense body posture: The body becomes rigid, with the tail between the legs.
- Panting: The animal may breathe faster and irregularly.
- Trembling: If the animal is very nervous, it may tremble visibly.
Behavioral signs
The behavior of a nervous animal can vary. Some of the most common signs are - Unexpected aggression: The animal may growl, show its teeth or even bite for no apparent reason.
- Hiding or trying to escape: Some animals prefer to hide when they feel overwhelmed.
- Barking or meowing excessively: Excessive noise is a warning cry for the owner to realize that something is wrong.
What to do when an animal is nervous?
Identify the cause of the nervousness
The first step in dealing with a nervous animal is to try to understand the cause of the behavior. This may involve observing the environment and the situations in which the nervousness occurs. In addition, it is important to consider factors such as pain or health problems that may be affecting the animal.
Provide a safe environment
Create a peaceful environment for your pet. If they are reacting to the noise of fireworks, for example, try to keep them in a quieter place, away from the source of stress. Make sure the environment is free of stimuli that could increase nervousness even more.
Training and socialization
Early socialization is essential to prevent your pet from becoming a nervous animal. Exposing them to different people, animals and situations helps to reduce anxiety and increase their confidence.
Visit the vet
If your pet’s nervousness has started recently or is already at an extreme level, the best option is a visit to the vet. There you can rule out health problems through tests that will monitor your pet and analyze whether it could be pain or illness that is causing the aggressive behavior. In some cases, it may be necessary to prescribe medication to help control anxiety and nervousness.
Use of calming products
There are products on the market, such as diffusers and collars, which release calming pheromones to help reassure the animal. Although these methods don’t solve the underlying problem, they can be useful for controlling nervousness in specific situations.
When does nervousness turn into aggression?
It’s important to understand that, in many cases, a nervous animal can become aggressive. When they feel threatened or are unable to control their anxiety, they can adopt a defensive posture, which can include growling, biting or even attacking.
To prevent nervousness from turning into aggression, it is essential to recognize the early signs and try to calm the animal down before it gets to that point.
The relationship between nervousness and animal breeds
Some breeds of dogs and cats are more prone to nervous behavior due to their genetics. For example, working or guard dogs may be more alert and therefore more likely to become nervous when their environment changes. Cats, on the other hand, may by nature be more sensitive to stressors and changes in their routine.
How can nervousness in animals be prevented?
Early socialization
From a young age, animals should be exposed to different experiences, sounds and environments. This helps create a solid foundation of trust, preventing anxious and nervous behavior in the future.
Stable routine
Pets, especially dogs, benefit from a stable routine. Having fixed times for feeding, walking and resting can reduce your pet’s anxiety.
Physical exercise
Physical exercise is an excellent way to help relieve a pet’s stress and nervousness. Walks, games and stimulating activities help to burn off accumulated energy, providing a sense of well-being.
How to deal with a nervous animal?
Understanding the causes of a nervous animal is the first step in helping to calm it down and provide it with a more peaceful life. Whether it’s environmental stress, fears or health problems, the important thing is to offer support, patience and, when necessary, seek the advice of a professional.
With the right strategies, you can reduce your pet’s nervousness and promote a calmer, safer environment for them. Remember that each animal is unique, and what works for one may not be as effective for another, so constant observation and affection are essential.
