Animal behaviour specialists say dogs and cats can be sensitive to environmental changes
UAE residents navigate recent developments, pet parents across the UAE are asking the same question, how will this affect our animals?
Animal behaviour specialists say dogs and cats are highly sensitive to environmental changes. They pick up on shifts in tone, routine and even breathing patterns. What may feel manageable to a human can be overwhelming for a pet.
A Dubai-based pet community platform, Bearlot’s Furry Friends, recently shared detailed guidance for pet owners, outlining practical steps to reduce anxiety, prevent escape and prepare for worst case scenarios. Experts say these measures are not about fear, but about responsibility.
Here is what pet parents should keep in mind.
Create a safe, enclosed space
Animals often calm down when they feel enclosed and hidden. A small, quiet room away from windows can reduce overstimulation.
Pet owners are advised to:
Choose a room with minimal outside noise
Cover crates with blankets to create a den-like environment
Place familiar bedding and an item that smells like the owner nearby
Small, dark and enclosed spaces can signal safety to animals whose instincts are wired to seek shelter when they sense danger.
Block sudden sound and light
Sudden booms or sharp noises can trigger panic responses. Flattening those sound spikes can make a significant difference.
Recommendations include:
Closing curtains and shutters
Turning on AC, a fan or white noise
Playing calm music at a low, steady volume
Predictable background sound helps reduce the shock factor of abrupt noise. The goal is not silence, but stability.
Stay calm, because they mirror you
One of the most important points highlighted by experts is owner behaviour.
Pets mirror human energy. If an owner panics, raises their voice or reacts frantically, the animal’s nervous system may interpret that as confirmation of threat.
Instead:
Move slowly
Speak softly
Avoid exaggerated reassurance
Act as normally as possible
Your calm becomes their reference point.
Prevent fear-driven escape
Animal welfare groups note that escape attempts increase during stressful events. Dogs may bolt during walks. Cats may dart toward open doors.
Pet owners should:
Ensure collars are on and secure
Double check harness fittings before walks
Update microchip details and ID tags
Secure doors, balconies and windows
When walking dogs during tense periods, experts recommend keeping outings short and staying close to home. Choose familiar routes. Avoid crowded or noisy areas. If a sudden loud sound occurs, stop, steady your posture and avoid pulling harshly on the leash. Your reaction will guide theirs.
Doubling up on safety measures, such as using both a collar and harness attachment, can reduce the risk of slipping out if startled.
Keep routines predictable
Routine offers reassurance. Feeding, walking and rest times should remain as consistent as possible. Structure signals stability to animals who rely heavily on predictability.
Know when to call a vet
While mild anxiety is common, certain signs require professional attention.
Seek veterinary advice if your pet:
• Shakes uncontrollably
• Refuses food or water
• Injures themselves
• Pants excessively without settling
• Cannot rest at all
In some cases, vets may recommend short-term anti-anxiety medication or calming support to help animals through acute stress.
Stock responsibly, retailers say
As some pet owners consider stocking up on food and supplies, retailers have moved to reassure customers.
Pet Corner, which operates at more than 20 locations across the UAE, said it is working around the clock to keep supplies stable and confirmed that its Sheikh Zayed branch remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The company urged customers to shop responsibly and avoid stockpiling, noting that purchasing only what is needed ensures all pets in the community continue to have access to essential food and medicine.
The message mirrors broader calls for calm and consideration, emphasising that preparation should not disrupt access for others.
