References
Let's talk about stress
Abstract
This article forms an introduction to stress in companion animal species — what it is, why does it occur and how it does it affect the pets in our care and their behavioural choices. A series of subsequent articles will examine, in more detail, the nature and alleviation of stress in specific companion animal species. Many companion animals live in environments for which they are ill-prepared, resulting in an inability to relax and frequent (if not chronic) exposure to stressors that maintain physiological and neurochemical arousal, with the accompanying predisposition to stress-related health problems. Despite the relative enormity of this welfare problem, recognition of individual animals suffering distress and the prevention of distress is rarely discussed with owners during routine surgery visits.
Researchers have struggled to identify the stage of physiological complexity that endues a species with the capacity to suffer pain or distress (Greggory, 2004). Some argue that an animal must have cognitive capacity and hence be able to learn; others that evidence of a response to pain and an avoidance of aversives should be sufficient. However, the matter has been simplified for those working with and keeping animals in UK by the 2006 Animal Welfare Act (DEFRA 2006), which introduces a ‘duty of care’ on people to ensure the needs of any animal for which they are responsible. The act creates a responsibility to protect animals from suffering rather than waiting until signs of suffering occur, producing a requirement of owners and keepers to understand and provide for both the physical and emotional needs of the animals in their care. Such directives place the veterinary profession in a position where they are expected to:
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