Pet anxiety management through routine and enrichment

Pet owners can manage anxiety in dogs and cats by implementing routine changes and environmental enrichment. Stress in animals can be triggered by changes in the household, prolonged periods of solitude, environmental shifts, new residents, or unfamiliar sounds.

According to Samera Rafaela Bruzaroski, coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine course at Unopar University, anxiety may manifest through behavioral changes, excessive vocalization, destruction of objects, agitation, isolation, or changes in eating and hygiene habits.

Recommended care includes establishing predictable schedules for feeding, walks, and play to provide a sense of security. Additionally, investing in environmental enrichment through interactive toys and physical exercise can help occupy animals and reduce excess energy.