Rescue pets tend to be a lot more sensitive to their environment than shelter or store-bought animals. Something as mundane as a ringing doorbell can send your furry friend into a frenzy that’s deeply rooted in abuse and neglect. Pet parents can never fully understand what an animal has been through. All that matters moving forward is learning to recognize their triggers and responding in the most effective ways.

All too many dog owners miss out on the joys of adopting a rescue pup. They see behavioral issues and go running to pet stores, instead. Behaviors like aggression and separation anxiety deter people because they believe rescue pups are damaged forever. What they fail to see is that all dogs need training, regardless of whether they’re rescued, adopted or store bought. Rescue dogs aren’t a lost cause—they’re still capable of giving and receiving love!

Dealing with separation anxiety is a pretty normal part of raising a puppy. They’ll whine and scratch at the door, desperate for your return. It’s no wonder they want to be around you all the time—you’re the one who rescued them! However, pet parents can’t stay home forever, so young pups have to make peace with some alone time.

Some cats love to be rubbed all over, while others prefer to keep their distance. But if your feline friend is suffering from stress and anxiety, a gentle massage might be just what they need to calm down!

Cats have a bad reputation for being loners. Many people think of felines the opposite of how they think of dogs, assuming they are content to be alone and even prefer it to the company of other pets or humans. This is why some cat owners are shocked to discover that their kitty has developed separation anxiety.

A lot of cats like their independence. Unlike dogs, these aloof furballs are praised for being low maintenance and taking care of themselves. Aside from mealtime, cats bathe, use the litter box and do pretty much everything else without the help of humans. It’s hard to imagine such proud felines acting clingy, which is why a suddenly clingy kitty can raise some suspicion.

Cats are particular creatures. At times they may seem comfortable and outgoing, but at others, they might get spooked by seemingly small things. This is why it can be so difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of stress if your feline friend appears more anxious than usual.

Adrenal glands have traditionally been thought of as the body’s organ system responsible for the “fight or flight" response of our pets. During stress conditions they pump out epinephrine which is used in metabolizing glucose to give the body energy for it’s response.