The Link Between Stress and Disease (and How to Manage Stress with Ashwagandha)

Learn about the effects of chronic stress on dogs and cats and how to manage stress with ashwagandha!

Stress is a normal part of life for companion animals. Acute stress lasts for only a short time and can be triggered by things like loud noises or the smell of a predator. This brief reaction is beneficial, as it helps animals survive in challenging situations. However, when stress becomes chronic—lasting for days, weeks, or even months—it can take a serious toll on an animal’s physical and emotional health. Over time, chronic stress has been linked to a weakened immune system, skin and coat problems, digestive issues, unwanted behaviors, additional strain on the heart, and even chronic disease. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at how chronic stress impacts dogs and cats and how to manage it with ashwagandha.

The Effects of Stress on Companion Animals

When a dog or cat experiences stress, their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose. And when stress is constant, the HPA axis remains overactive. Over time, the prolonged elevation of stress hormones impacts the whole body and can:

• Suppress the immune system
• Increase the risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections
• Lead to inflammatory diseases like skin disorders
• Disrupt metabolism and alter gut microbiota
• Impair healing
• Behavioral changes like anxiety, aggression, and overgrooming
• Reduce quality of life

Stress, Inflammation, and Chronic Disease

Stress can cause immune cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the short term, these molecules help fight infections and promote healing. But over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to long-term health problems, such as dermatitis, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and some cancers. Therefore, reducing stress plays an important role in protecting overall health and longevity.

Methods for Combatting Stress in Companion Animals

Addressing chronic stress in animals starts with pinpointing the cause, but the solution usually involves a multifaceted approach that includes:

• Eliminating stressors
• Environmental enrichment
• Creating a predictable routine
• Adopting positive training methods
• Ensuring adequate mental stimulation and exercise
• Proper socialization
• Managing pain

Beyond that, feeding an adaptogenic herb like ashwagandha will help dogs and cats fight stress naturally. That’s because it supports the HPA axis and regulates cortisol and cytokines while increasing GABA and serotonin.

Manage Stress with Ashwagandha from the World’s Most Trusted Source

KSM-66 Ashwagandha is the safest and only clinically proven ashwagandha for pets. It has 46 certifications for safety and efficacy and is the most clinically studied ashwagandha on the market. Moreover, veterinary studies with KSM-66 Ashwagandha demonstrate its ability to help animals with chronic stress because it can:

• Relieve stress and anxiety
• Regulate cortisol and maintain hormonal balance
• Enhance calmness
• Promote healthy sleep
• Support immunity and recovery

What’s more, KSM-66 has a neutral taste, so it doesn’t change the flavor of formulations when it’s added to foods, treats, supplements, and other pet products.

Learn more about how to manage stress with ashwagandha and the other ways KSM-66 supports pet health.

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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.