Is your pet acting weird? This might be the reason why | Life-style News
Has your pet been acting strange lately? Just like us human beings, our pets too can experience nervous system dysregulation! Since our furry friends cannot verbalise their discomfort, it becomes even more important that we watch out for important signs and take necessary steps to soothe them. Indianexpress.com spoke to experts to find out how to do that.
J.S. Rama Krishna, Business Head, Growel Pet Nutrition shared that when a dog or cat’s nervous system is dysregulated, it can show up in various ways. According to him, pet parents should watch for these signs:
Excessive Shaking or Trembling: Dogs or cats that tremble continuously without an obvious cause might be experiencing anxiety or neurological distress.
Hyperactivity or Lethargy: Pets may show signs of extreme hyperactivity, such as pacing or running in circles, or exhibit lethargy and unresponsiveness.
Aggression or Sudden Mood Changes: Unexplained aggression or sudden calmness can indicate underlying nervous system issues.
Loss of Coordination (Ataxia): Disorientation, stumbling, and difficulty balancing can be signs of ataxia, pointing to nervous system problems.
Excessive Vocalization: Increased barking, whining, or meowing can signal anxiety or discomfort.
Compulsive Behaviors: Repetitive actions like licking, scratching, or tail-chasing may suggest stress or neurological issues.
Changes in Eating, Drinking, and Sleep Patterns: Irregularities in eating or sleeping habits can indicate stress or anxiety.
Involuntary Movements: Muscle spasms or twitching may be signs of neurological issues. Sudden, uncontrolled movements or seizures are serious and require immediate veterinary attention.
Rashi Narang, Founder and Creative Director at Heads Up For Tails shared that this distress can be caused by various factors, including chronic inflammation, genetic traits, environmental toxins, or past traumas. In these challenging times, it’s important to visit a vet as soon as possible. (Source: Freepik)
Some common causes
“Changes in environment, separation anxiety, or loud noises (e.g., fireworks) can cause chronic stress affecting the nervous system. Neurological disorders like epilepsy, brain tumors, or encephalitis can lead to nervous system dysregulation,” said Krishna. Diseases such as distemper in dogs or toxoplasmosis in cats can impact the central nervous system.
He also added that an exposure to toxic substances, like certain plants or chemicals, can severely affect a pet’s nervous system. Physical injuries to the brain or spine can result in neurological symptoms. Some breeds are predisposed to neurological issues, and aging can lead to cognitive decline.
Rashi Narang, Founder and Creative Director at Heads Up For Tails shared that this distress can be caused by various factors, including chronic inflammation, genetic traits, environmental toxins, or past traumas. In these challenging times, it’s important to visit a vet as soon as possible.
How can you effectively calm down your pet?
Krishna suggested creating a calm environment by minimising noise and providing a safe, quiet space for the pet to retreat to. Maintain a routine since consistent feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules help provide a sense of security. You can also use calming aids such as pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or specially formulated treats can help. Consult a vet before using these products.
Krishna also emphasised on ensuring proper nutrition. A balanced diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, choline, taurine and antioxidants supports their nerve health. Regular exercise and enrichment activities can reduce anxiety. Also, following regular vaccinations and de-worming can help prevent infectious diseases.
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