It felt like it came out of nowhere. But your pet has been counting the stress markers for days.
Every fright, every loud truck, and every vet visit adds a 'cup' of water to your dog's internal bucket. When it's full, even a tiny touch causes an overflow.
Adrenaline is a quick burst, but cortisol—the main stress hormone—takes up to 72 hours to leave your pet's system. Monday's stress is still there on Wednesday.
In New Zealand, our pets face a constant stream of triggers: the courier van, the neighbour's lawnmower, or a magpie swooping in the garden.
Your dog might look calm, but they are 'primed' for a reaction. Watch for lip licking, excessive panting when it's cool, or a sudden inability to sit.
Are they sniffing the grass? Or scanning the horizon for stock and other dogs? If they can’t focus on you, their bucket is likely 90% full.
Imagine a visitor drops a toy. If the bucket was empty, they'd ignore it. If the bucket is full, that tiny noise triggers an immediate bark or snap.
When you notice the signs, your pet needs a 72-hour reset. No cafes, no busy beaches, and no big walks. Just peace and quiet at home.
Swap the high-energy fetch for a slow, 10-minute sniffari. Letting them use their nose lowers their heart rate and helps flush stress hormones.
Use a Lickimat or a KONG with NZ-made treats. Licking releases soothing hormones that help the stress bucket empty faster.
If your pet is always on edge, it might be chronic. A Veterinary Behaviourist can help lower their 'baseline' so training can finally work.
Your pet isn't being naughty or unpredictable. They are simply overwhelmed by a world that doesn't slow down. Give them the space to reset.
Get our full protocol on cortisol vacations and the signs of trigger stacking to keep your pet calm.