Even the noise of a family quarrel can cause symptoms of stress. By following responsible pet ownership practice, knowing what can trigger stress and being able to recognise the warning signs, stress can be avoided. Ensuring the pet is socialised and getting it used to the sounds and actions in your world from an early stage will also go a long way towards the elimination of stress. If you find that your pet is made nervous by certain things then removing, modifying or controlling these will enable you to avoid the symptoms of stress. Remember, that most stress in pets is minor and that with good care and awareness it is easily preventable.
Stressed pets show similar responses to humans under stress.
For example, general health may deteriorate as a result of the immune system's reduced ability to fight infection. Vets have reported that recovery time after surgery can be lengthened in animals that are under stress. Behavioural changes will vary in pets, generally involving both increased reactions to sights and sounds and inhibition of normal behaviour. Anxiety, irritability, hostility, depression and fear are all warning signs. Most stress occurring in pets is only minor.